The impact of zolpidem on the mental status of hospitalized patients older than age 50.

Although zolpidem is prescribed widely, determining the incidence of adverse drug reactions such as mental confusion is of considerable clinical importance for nursing practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of zolpidem in a hospital setting to determine the incidence of mental confusion for patients receiving the drug. A correlational cross-sectional study design was used to examine the effects of zolpidem on hospitalized patients. Data abstraction from medical records was used to collect demographic and variable information. The first mental status assessment showed no statistical difference of decline in mental status (p=0.08). There was, however, a significant change (p<0.000) after the second mental status assessment. Based on the results of this study, caution must be considered for first-time users of zolpidem who are greater than age 50.