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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder

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Published on: May 2, 2025

Acyclovir in bipolar disorder: a mismatched combination?

Naveen Jayaram¹, Naren P Rao, Ganesan Venkatasubramanian

¹Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine

|February 21, 2012

Summary

Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, can rarely cause neuropsychiatric issues in older adults. This case report highlights acyclovir-induced hypomania in an elderly woman, suggesting caution in vulnerable patients.

Keywords:

Acyclovir antiviral bipolar disorder hypomania

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Area of Science:

Geriatric Medicine
Neuropsychiatry
Pharmacology

Background:

Acyclovir is a widely prescribed antiviral medication.
Neuropsychiatric complications are rare but recognized side effects of acyclovir, particularly in the elderly population.
Vulnerable individuals, including those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, may be at increased risk.

Observation:

This report details the first instance of acyclovir-associated hypomania.
The patient was an elderly woman who developed hypomanic symptoms.
The symptoms emerged during acyclovir treatment.

Findings:

Acyclovir can be a precipitating factor for mood episodes, such as hypomania.
Elderly individuals may represent a vulnerable group for these adverse effects.
The drug's potential to trigger mood disturbances warrants attention.

Implications:

Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing acyclovir to elderly patients, especially those with a history of psychiatric conditions.
Increased awareness of acyclovir's neuropsychiatric risks is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
This case underscores the importance of considering medication side effects in the differential diagnosis of mood disturbances in geriatric patients.