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Lethality and behavioral side effects of chloroquine
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Chloroquine, an antimalarial drug, can cause severe behavioral side effects and lethality, even at therapeutic doses. These effects, including psychosis and depression, may lead to accidental overdose and death, requiring careful clinical consideration.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chloroquine is a widely prescribed antimalarial and anti-inflammatory drug.
- Its potential for severe behavioral side effects and lethality is often underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant and potentially underestimated lethality and behavioral side effects of chloroquine.
- To propose a hypothesis linking drug-induced mood alterations or toxic confusional states to unintended overdose and death.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on chloroquine toxicity.
- Analysis of case reports and clinical observations regarding chloroquine's side effects.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic doses of chloroquine can induce psychosis, delirium, personality changes, and depression.
- Even moderately low overdosage can lead to rapid death.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must recognize prodromal signs of chloroquine toxicity.
- Premature classification of overdose as attempted self-poisoning should be avoided, considering potential drug-induced states.