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Psychotropic agent-induced black hairy tongue
1Division of Dermatology, Cooper Health System, Marlton, New Jersey, USA.
Cutis
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Black hairy tongue is a benign condition causing a temporary dark coating on the tongue. This case report highlights potential medication side effects, including fluoxetine, as a possible trigger for this oral condition.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Black hairy tongue (BHT) is a common, benign condition characterized by a temporary, dark discoloration and elongated papillae on the dorsal tongue surface.
- The exact etiology of BHT remains unknown, but several factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medications, are suspected to contribute to its pathogenesis.
Observation:
- This report details a case of BHT that developed in a patient diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.
- The onset of BHT occurred after the administration of a specific medication regimen including fluoxetine hydrochloride, thiothixene hydrochloride, benztropine mesylate, and clonazepam.
Findings:
- The case suggests a potential link between the prescribed psychotropic medications and the development of black hairy tongue.
- While BHT is typically self-limiting, this instance underscores the importance of considering medication side effects in its differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the potential for drug-induced black hairy tongue, particularly with polypharmacy in psychiatric patients.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which these medications could precipitate BHT.