Sertraline induced acute mandibular dystonia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Selective serotonin reuptuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for depression and other psychiatric disorders.
• SSRIs are associated with various extrapyramidal side effects, including parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, and akathisia.
• Sertraline is a widely used SSRI often considered to have a favorable safety profile regarding these adverse effects.

Observation:

• A patient diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder and depression was treated with sertraline.
• The patient developed severe mandibular dystonia, a form of acute involuntary muscle contraction.
• This adverse event occurred in the absence of other medications known to affect the dopaminergic system.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a clear link between sertraline use and the development of severe dystonia.
• This specific adverse effect occurred despite the patient not taking other dopaminergic medications.
• Mandibular dystonia represents a significant and potentially alarming acute reaction to sertraline.

Implications:

• Clinicians must be vigilant for the possibility of drug-induced movement disorders, even with SSRIs like sertraline.
• Awareness of this potential adverse effect is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
• This case underscores the importance of considering sertraline as a potential cause of acute dystonia in susceptible individuals.