Priapism associated with typical and atypical antipsychotic medications

Priapism is a urologic emergency, and a urologic consultation should be obtained as early as possible. Its etiologies are numerous and diverse. Patients who use antipsychotic drugs should be informed about the complications of priapism, especially those patients with a history of prolonged erections associated with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents or a history of sickle cell disease. If antipsychotic medication is considered to be needed in the treatment of patients with a history of priapism, physicians should select a drug with a low peripheral alpha-adrenergic blocking property. Physicians should be aware of this rare but potentially serious complication of antipsychotic drugs. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent permanent impotence and other serious complications.