Tamoxifen-induced acute mania: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tamoxifen is a standard treatment for hormone-responsive breast cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms.
• Tamoxifen's potential anti-manic properties are under investigation.
• This study focuses on an adverse neurological effect of tamoxifen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of manic episode induced by tamoxifen.
• To highlight the potential for tamoxifen to cause neurological adverse effects.
• To increase clinician awareness of tamoxifen's behavioral side effects.

Main Methods:

• A 58-year-old female breast cancer patient was initiated on tamoxifen.
• The patient developed acute manic symptoms shortly after tamoxifen initiation.
• Tamoxifen was discontinued, leading to rapid improvement of manic symptoms.

Main Results:

• The patient exhibited symptoms of acute mania within days of starting tamoxifen.
• Discontinuation of tamoxifen resulted in rapid remission of manic symptoms within approximately 24 hours.
• The patient tolerated an alternative treatment, exemestane, without adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• This is the first reported case of probable tamoxifen-induced mania.
• Certain individuals may be sensitive to tamoxifen's neurological effects, specifically manic reactions.
• Clinicians should monitor for rare behavioral side effects, such as mania, when prescribing tamoxifen.