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Carvedilol suppresses intractable hiccups.
Danielle Stueber1, Conrad M Swartz
1Department of Psychiatry, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA. danielle.stueber@gmail.com
Summary
Carvedilol effectively treated a patient
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Tardive dyskinesia and intractable hiccups present significant treatment challenges.
- Compulsive self-induced vomiting and mood disturbances can co-occur with neurological conditions.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old African-American man experienced persistent hiccups, tardive dyskinesia, self-induced vomiting, and depression for two years.
- Previous treatments including ranitidine, chlorpromazine, and a vagal nerve stimulator were ineffective.
Findings:
- Carvedilol, at 6.25 mg four times daily, provided significant relief from all reported symptoms.
- Symptomatic improvement was maintained at a 5-month follow-up.
- Discontinuation of carvedilol led to rapid symptom relapse, suggesting a direct therapeutic effect.
Implications:
- Carvedilol may represent a novel therapeutic option for complex cases of tardive dyskinesia with associated gastrointestinal and mood symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of carvedilol in similar patient populations.
- This case highlights the potential for repurposed medications in managing refractory neurological and psychiatric comorbidities.