Activation syndrome caused by paroxetine in a cancer patient.
Individuals with cancer have two to four times an increased risk of depressive disorders compared to the general population. Depressive symptoms are related to impaired daily life functioning and a rise in health care utilization. Pharmacological treatments for depression are usually effective to reduce depressive symptoms, but sometimes lead to serious adverse reactions. We describe a cancer patient who developed sudden psychological and behavioral abnormalities after administration of the antidepressant paroxetine. Impulsive and aggressive symptoms are a so-called activation syndrome that can cause violent or suicidal tendencies. Palliative care staff should pay close attention to these potentially lethal reactions and make an immediate and correct diagnosis.
Nishida
Tomomi
T
Department of Psycho-oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan. t-nishida@saitama-med.ac.jp
Wada
Makoto
M
Wada
Mei
M
Ito
Hiroshi
H
Narabayashi
Masaru
M
Onishi
Hideki
H
D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000139:chemically induced; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013577:Syndrome
D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors