Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
[Isoniazid-induced visual hallucinosis]
Sonia Maâlej1, Ikram Drira, Ramzi Ben Mefteh
1Hôpital Abderrahmen Mami Ariana, Tunis, Tunisie. s.maalej@gnet.tn
Introduction:
Isoniazid is the antituberculosis drug that causes psychiatric manifestations most often. Their incidence is nonetheless rare: a review of the literature found only 16 cases. Only one author has reported hallucinosis, defined by isolated sensorial symptoms, and perceptions not believed to be the reality of the object.
Case:
We report a case of a 42-year-old woman, a nonsmoker with no particular history and with lymph node tuberculosis. Three weeks after beginning antituberculosis treatment (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin), visual hallucinosis and a headache appeared. The symptoms disappeared when Isoniazid was stopped and an anxiolytic drug prescribed. These findings suggest that these effects were due to isoniazid.
Discussion:
Two mechanisms may explain these psychiatric manifestations: vitamin B6 deficiency or interference between isoniazid and bioamine metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Aryldiazonium Salts to Azo Dyes: Diazo Coupling
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy