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Choreoathetosis induced by cyproheptadine
Author(s) -
Samie Mohammad Reza,
Ashton Adam Keller
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.870040111
Subject(s) - cyproheptadine , anticholinergic , medicine , choreoathetosis , hyperkinesia , physostigmine , movement disorders , anesthesia , promethazine , adverse effect , pharmacology , psychiatry , dystonia , receptor , disease , acetylcholine , serotonin
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with antiserotoninergic and anticholinergic properties. It is a relatively safe drug with many varied indications for usage, which rarely produces serious adverse neurologic sequelae. Reports of involuntary movement disorder secondary to cyproheptadine are rare. We present the case of a 17‐year‐old overdose victim which may be the first documented instance of cyproheptadine intoxication resulting in choreoathetosis. This hyperkinesia was most likely resultant from the anticholinergic properties of cyproheptadine. Although the choreoathetoid movement resolved spontaneously, the delirious state disappeared after administration of physostigmine.