Citalopram-induced hallucinations and delusions in a young adult.
OBJECTIVE
To report on a case of citalopram-induced hallucinations and delusions.


METHODS
The authors present the case of a patient who developed psychotic symptoms including hallucinations and delusions shortly after starting the SSRI citalopram for posttraumatic stress disorder and associated depression.


RESULTS
Citalopram was discontinued and his symptoms quickly resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
Providers should use caution and advise patients of rare but serious side effects even when prescribing generally safe medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Department of Psychiatry, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. vin@capaldi.org
Vincent F
VF
Capaldi
Russell B
RB
Carr
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003702:Delusions / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010343:Patient Admission; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D015283:Citalopram