[Paralytic ileus with fatal consequence under psychotropic medication]

In the area of Bielefeld there occurred a striking accumulation of four cases of death as a consequence of a paralytic ileus within a period of two years. All four patients suffered from a psychotic disorder and had taken psychotropic medication for many years. After exclusion of other causes, the anticholinergic effect of the psychotropic medication must be taken as the cause of death. A review of literature and pharmacological receptor profiles are presented. Therapeutic consequences are described in order to prevent more cases of death.