Capgras delusion and seizures in association with therapeutic dosages of disulfiram.
We have described a patient in whom EEG abnormalities, a seizure disorder, and Capgras syndrome developed two weeks after she started taking disulfiram. That disulfiram has been shown to inhibit dopamine beta-hydroxylase in vitro suggests an etiologic role for dopaminergic pathways in at least some cases of Capgras syndrome. Our experience with this patient suggests that convulsions and psychosis may occur as a side effect of standard dosages of disulfiram in patients with no previous history of psychosis or brain disease. Furthermore, the symptoms may resolve spontaneously without the long-term use of antipsychotic or anticonvulsant medication.
Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
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Daniel
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Swallows
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D000328:Adult; D002194:Capgras Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*
D004221:Disulfiram