New-onset hallucinations with amiodarone: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Amiodarone is a widely prescribed antiarrhythmic for atrial fibrillation.
• Psychiatric side effects, including hallucinations, are rare but documented.
• Distinguishing amiodarone-induced hallucinations from other causes like delirium is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of isolated hallucinations associated with amiodarone initiation.
• To emphasize the need for clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a 63-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer and new-onset atrial fibrillation.
• The patient was initiated on amiodarone for rhythm control.
• New-onset auditory and visual hallucinations occurred shortly after amiodarone initiation, prompting its discontinuation and replacement with dronedarone.

Main Results:

• The patient developed new-onset auditory and visual hallucinations after starting amiodarone.
• Hallucinations resolved within 3 days of discontinuing amiodarone.
• Amiodarone was identified as the probable cause of the hallucinations.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric adverse events from amiodarone are uncommon.
• Isolated hallucinations are a rare but potential side effect of amiodarone.
• Clinicians should consider amiodarone as a potential cause of hallucinations in affected patients.