Emergency Situations
22 Emergency Situations A number of emergency situations may arise from iatrogenic effects of psychotropic medications. Such situations demand rapid identification. Discontinuation of a suspected causal agent often leads to…
Systemic Reactions
20 Systemic Reactions Allergic Reactions and Angioedema General Recommendations Allergic angioedema is a medical emergency that necessitates airway protection and treatment with antihistamines or possibly steroids. Psychotropic drugs that cause…
Pregnancy and the Puerperium
21 Pregnancy and the Puerperium Psychotropic adverse effects during pregnancy generally do not differ qualitatively from those that may occur at other times, although pregnancy may be a time of…
Sleep Disturbances
19 Sleep Disturbances Hypersomnia and Sleep Attacks General Recommendations Sleep attacks may occur, although rarely, with several psychotropic agents, most notably certain dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole) and MAOIs. Antihistaminergic…
Ophthalmological System
18 Ophthalmological System Cataracts General Recommendations Product labeling for quetiapine includes mention of the potential for development of cataracts, as well as a recommendation for periodic slit-lamp examinations, although no…
Musculoskeletal System
16 Musculoskeletal System Joint Pain General Recommendations Joint pains are rarely iatrogenic. Clinicians should determine whether such complaints may reflect other medical causes. Persistent idiosyncratic joint pains may warrant discontinuation…
Hematological System
14 Hematological System Myelosuppression: Agranulocytosis and Thrombocytopenia General Recommendations Clinicians should recognize the risk for agranulocytosis in patients taking carbamazepine or clozapine, and more infrequently in those taking other SGAs or…
Endocrinopathies
11 Endocrinopathies Bone Demineralization and Osteoporosis General Recommendations There is a small increased potential risk for osteoporosis during treatment with carbamazepine or SSRIs. Older adults or other patients who have…
Gastrointestinal System
12 Gastrointestinal System Diarrhea, Hypermotility, and Constipation General Recommendations Loose stools may occur during initiation of treatment with serotonergic antidepressants or as part of discontinuation syndromes upon abrupt cessation of…
Electrolyte Abnormalities
10 Electrolyte Abnormalities Hyponatremia and SIADH General Recommendations Hyponatremia, with or without syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), is a relatively rare complication of treatment with virtually all antidepressants,…
