Aripiprazole induced hiccups

Hiccups are a product of involuntary, intermittent spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm and inspiratory intercostal muscles that results in sudden inspiration and abrupt closure of the glottis. The exact pathophysiology of hiccups remains unknown. However, certain neurotransmitters, medications, and other factors have been implicated. We report a case of a 38 year old patient who developed hiccups three days after adding aripiprazole 5 mg once a day to his medication regimen. Medical and environmental causes were ruled out and aripiprazole was discontinued. One day later, the hiccups resolved. Several case reports have described patients who developed hiccups when treated with aripiprazole and related this to changes in neurotransmitter concentrations. However, due to limited literature, it was difficult to determine rate of occurrence of this adverse event with aripiprazole. A temporal but not a causal relationship was observed between initiating aripiprazole and development of hiccups in this patient. A causal relationship cannot be established since the patient was not re-challenged with aripiprazole. Nonetheless, clinicians should be cognizant that use of aripiprazole may be associated with hiccups.