Delirium associated with the combination of a neuroleptic, an SSRI, and benztropine.
BACKGROUND
On the basis of recent findings, the increased use of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in combination with antipsychotics and concomitant benztropine is likely.


METHODS
Five patients who developed delirium while receiving a neuroleptic, an SSRI, and benztropine are described.


RESULTS
The timing of the delirium in relation to drug administration suggests the delirium was the result of an interaction of the SSRI and benztropine.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible mechanisms are explored. Clinicians should be aware that patients receiving this combination may be at increased risk for delirium.
Roth
A
A
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.
Akyol
S
S
Nelson
J C
JC
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001590:Benztropine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001590:Benztropine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors