Gabapentin-induced delusions of parasitosis.
Delusions of parasitosis are a rare psychiatric disorder in which the patient has a fixed, false belief of being infested with parasites. The disorder is classified as primary if no cause is identified or secondary if associated with general organic conditions, psychiatric illnesses, and drugs (substance induced). Several medications have been reported in association with delusions of parasitosis, including anti-parkinsonian medications, ciprofloxacin, cetirizine, doxepin, and others. Delusions of parasitosis have not been previously reported to be associated with gabapentin use. We present the case of a patient who developed delusions of parasitosis after been initiated on gabapentin treatment for neuropathic pain and complete disappearance of symptoms after the medication was discontinued.
Department of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN, USA. pablolopezmd@gmail.com
Pablo R
PR
Lopez
Troy
T
Rachael
Stuart
S
Leicht
Roger D
RD
Smalligan
D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003702:Delusions / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000188:drug therapy; D012876:Skin Diseases, Parasitic / Q000523:psychology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin