Objective: Catatonic features are observed in several psychiatric illnesses but can also be found following substance misuse. Loperamide is an anti-diarrhoeal medication that acts on opioid receptors in the intestine, reducing peristalsis. It is normally unable to pass through the intestinal wall or the blood–brain barrier; however, high dosages can in fact induce the effects on the central nervous system. Case report: We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who presented with severe catatonia following excessive intake of loperamide, fully remitted with lorazepam. Conclusion: We speculate on a possible increase of loperamide’s bioavailability after overdose owing to reduced expression and functioning of P-glycoprotein.
Loperamide overdose-induced catatonia: potential role of brain opioid system and P-glycoprotein
DI ROSA, Enrica;DI ROSA, Antonio
2013-01-01
Abstract
Objective: Catatonic features are observed in several psychiatric illnesses but can also be found following substance misuse. Loperamide is an anti-diarrhoeal medication that acts on opioid receptors in the intestine, reducing peristalsis. It is normally unable to pass through the intestinal wall or the blood–brain barrier; however, high dosages can in fact induce the effects on the central nervous system. Case report: We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who presented with severe catatonia following excessive intake of loperamide, fully remitted with lorazepam. Conclusion: We speculate on a possible increase of loperamide’s bioavailability after overdose owing to reduced expression and functioning of P-glycoprotein.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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