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Olanzapine-induced myoclonic status
Ana Camacho1, Magdalena García-Navarro, Begoña Martínez
1Department of Neurology, Clínica Mediterránea de Neurociencias, Alicante, Spain.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|June 21, 2005
Summary
This study reports the first case of myoclonic status epilepticus caused by olanzapine, an antipsychotic. The patient
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Seizures are a rarely reported adverse effect of olanzapine, despite its known proconvulsant potential.
- Clozapine, which shares pharmacologic similarities with olanzapine, is associated with a high risk of dose-dependent seizures.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman with probable Alzheimer disease developed continuous myoclonic jerks shortly after initiating olanzapine.
- The patient was concurrently receiving low doses of citalopram and donepezil.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed spikes and polyspike/wave complexes coinciding with the myoclonic jerks.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of olanzapine led to the cessation of myoclonic seizures.
- A follow-up EEG demonstrated no further epileptiform discharges.
- Subsequent treatment with haloperidol did not result in seizure recurrence.
Implications:
- This case highlights myoclonic status epilepticus as a potential adverse effect of olanzapine.
- Olanzapine should be used cautiously in patients with a potentially lowered seizure threshold, especially when combined with other medications.
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of olanzapine-induced seizures, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.