Levofloxacin-induced Psychosis in a Young Healthy Patient

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Levofloxacin is a widely prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic for bacterial infections.
• While generally well-tolerated, it carries a risk of rare but severe neuropsychiatric adverse events.

Observation:

• This case report details a young, healthy female patient who developed acute psychosis after initiating levofloxacin therapy.
• The patient had no prior history of psychiatric illness or known risk factors for such reactions.

Findings:

• The patient's psychotic symptoms emerged shortly after starting levofloxacin.
• Discontinuation of levofloxacin led to a rapid and complete resolution of the neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for neuropsychiatric side effects associated with levofloxacin.
• Early recognition and cessation of the antibiotic can prevent prolonged morbidity and mortality.
• Consideration should be given to alternative antibiotic classes in patients exhibiting new-onset psychosis.