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Sertraline-Induced Tics: A Case Report and Narrative Review
Ramesh Arasu1, Semran Badeshae1, Yulia Furlong2,3
1Youth Mental Health Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
Journal of Pharmacy Practice
|August 9, 2022
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline may cause severe motor tics in adolescents. This case highlights potential SSRI-induced tics and suggests paroxetine as a well-tolerated alternative.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for anxiety and depression.
- Motor tics are not commonly recognized as a side effect of SSRIs.
- Adolescent mental health treatment requires careful consideration of potential adverse effects.
Approach:
- This report details a case of a 16-year-old female experiencing severe motor tics after initiating sertraline.
- Symptom resolution occurred upon sertraline cessation, with subsequent successful treatment using paroxetine.
- A literature review identified limited existing reports on SSRI-induced motor tics, particularly in adolescents.
Key Points:
- The patient exhibited immediate onset of severe motor tics correlated with sertraline use.
- A dose-response relationship was observed, and tics were quantified using a validated scale.
- This is the first reported case of SSRI-induced motor tics in an adolescent female.
Conclusions:
- SSRI-induced motor tics can manifest acutely and severely, even in adolescent females.
- Paroxetine demonstrated tolerability and efficacy as an alternative SSRI without tic recurrence.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and predictability of SSRI-induced tics and potential tics-sparing effects of other SSRIs.
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