Using Stilnox for Parkinsonian Symptoms

[sarahwatt]

Hi Guys,
I have a patient with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP). She is quite early stages, was diagnosed about 18 months ago, and is still mobile with assistance.
She has recently been put on a trial of Stilnox (Zolpidem) to help control her parkinsonian symptoms. She is meant to be taking 6.5mg at 8am and 3pm, and 10mg at 8pm. She is extremely drowsy (not surprising, since it's normally used as a sleeping tablet!), and it's really effecting her BP
1. Does anyone know much about PSP? At the moment, I am basically doing a program based on what I do with my Parkinsons Patients, e.g. ROM, balance, strengthening and gait practice. Any other advice?
2. Has anyone ever heard of using Zolpidem for Parkinson's? Why does it work?I am getting the Dr to r/v her meds again, but just wondering if anyone had some more input.
Thanks in advance.
-Sarah

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[Gawaine]

i've never treated a patient with that diagnosis or who was using that medicine... but i'd be very interested to hear about the results...

[Crystal]

I've also never heard of using Zolpidem to treat Parkinsons - and these sound like large doses in any case, are you sure she has them right?? Just out of interest, I did type "Zolpidem in Parkinsons" in Google and it called up a few articles on the subject - I'd be interested to know if you learn anything new.

[sarahwatt]

Thanks for your reply.
I definetly had the doses right, as I saw the Dr's script. But it was a crazy amount, which is why I was concerned.
There was no improvement in her gait or motor function during the trial she was on Zolpidem, but she is off it now. It took her quite a while to feel "normal" again as well.
I did look up google, thank you, but there was not a lot to help me.
Thanks for trying!