Risks of suicide attempts after prescription of zolpidem in people with depression: a nationwide population study in South Korea

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association between zolpidem prescription and suicide attempts in people with depression Methods A nationwide, population-based electronic medical records database from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service of South was used to investigate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of suicide attempts and probable suicide attempts in people with depression before and after zolpidem prescription using self-controlled case series design. Results In a total of 445 people who attempted suicide and 23 141 people who attempted probable suicide attempt, the IRRs of suicidal behavior during the risk periods before and after zolpidem prescription increased compared with those at the baseline. The IRRs gradually increased and peaked immediately before the prescription of zolpidem. The IRR was 70.06 (95% CI: 25.58–191.90) on day 2 before zolpidem prescription and 63.35 (95% CI: 22.99–174.59) on day 1 after zolpidem prescription in the suicide attempt group. The IRR was 24.07 (95% CI: 20.50–28.26) on the day before zolpidem prescription and 14.96 (95% CI: 12.21–18.34) on the day after zolpidem prescription in the probable suicide attempt group. The ratios declined eventually after zolpidem was prescribed. Conclusions Although zolpidem prescription was associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts in people with depression, the risk increased and peaked immediately before zolpidem prescription. The risk declined gradually thereafter. This result indicates that the risk of suicide attempts increases at the time of zolpidem prescription. However, zolpidem prescription does not contribute to additional increase in the risk of suicide attempts.