ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 2003
Page Count: 3

Zaleplon and Driving Impairment
(Received 5 October 2002; accepted 3 December 2002)

Abstract

Zaleplon, a sedative-hypnotic, was identified in the blood of a subject arrested for impaired driving. Symptoms reported were those of central nervous system (CNS) depression. The zaleplon concentration was determined to be 0.13 µg/mL. Symptoms included slow movements and reactions, poor coordination, and lack of balance. Although no quantitative relationship between blood concentrations and degree of driving impairment is currently possible, it is reasonable to conclude that because of its specific activity as a sedative-hypnotic, blood concentrations consistent with doses exceeding therapeutic concentrations of zaleplon have the potential to cause impairment of psychomotor function, and would impair a person's level of consciousness and driving ability.

Keywords:
forensic science, sonata, driving, impairment

Paper ID: JFS2002357
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002357
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