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Lorazepam withdrawal catatonia: a case report.
Thanapal Sivakumar1, Anil Yadav, Mamta Sood
1Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India.
Asian Journal of Psychiatry
|December 7, 2013
Summary
Catatonia is a rare side effect of long-term benzodiazepine use in elderly patients. This case report details lorazepam withdrawal-induced catatonia, focusing on diagnostic and management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuropsychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for elderly patients, often for prolonged periods.
- Long-term benzodiazepine use can lead to dependence and withdrawal syndromes.
- Catatonia is an uncommon but severe manifestation of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Observation:
- A case of catatonia in an elderly patient following abrupt cessation of lorazepam is presented.
- The patient exhibited classic signs and symptoms of catatonia.
- Diagnostic challenges included differentiating withdrawal catatonia from other psychiatric or medical conditions.
Findings:
- Lorazepam withdrawal was identified as the cause of catatonia in this elderly patient.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Treatment involved supportive care and gradual reintroduction of benzodiazepines.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering benzodiazepine withdrawal in elderly patients presenting with catatonia.
- Emphasizes the need for careful medication management and withdrawal protocols in this population.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of rare benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.
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