[Neurological toxicity of amiodarone. 5 case reports]

Five patients developed neurological adverse effects as they were treated with amiodarone for 2 to 18 months. The daily maintenance dose did not exceed 400 mg. The neurological manifestations included tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dyskinesia, myoclonic jerks, extrapyramidal hypertony, and altered mental status. These side effects resolved within 3 days to 3 months after amiodarone withdrawal. Advanced age, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and alcoholism seemed to be risk factors for development of amiodarone neurotoxicity. Both peripheral and central nervous systems are involved in these amiodarone-induced complications.