title: Lithium-neuroleptic neurotoxicity in the elderly bipolar patient.
abstract: The frequency and clinical characteristics of lithium- and neuroleptic-mediated neurotoxicity were determined in 10 elderly bipolar patients. When lithium was used alone and therapeutic serum lithium levels were achieved, neurotoxicity did not develop. However, when a neuroleptic was added, neurotoxicity developed in 60% (three of five) of patients and was characterized by delirium, extrapyramidal signs, and cerebellar dysfunction. Neurotoxicity occurred despite the use of neuroleptic dosages that are considered safe and useful when administered in the absence of other psychoactive drugs.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Menninger
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Whitcup
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002526:Cerebellar Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008094:Lithium