Ziprasidone-induced priapism requiring surgical treatment

Both typical and atypical antipsychotic psychotropics have been reported to cause ischemic priapism presumptively secondary to alpha1-adrenergic blockade. This condition is a urologic emergency for if not evaluated and treated appropriately, long-term sequelae include erectile dysfunction and impotence. This paper addresses the first reported case of priapism requiring surgical intervention presumed to be secondary to ziprasidone. Increased clinician and patient education regarding priapism is required in order to minimize this adverse event and to maximize immediate treatment.