title: Acute dystonia due to citalopram treatment: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Abnormal movements such as acute dystonia, dyskinesia, parkinsonism, exacerbation of Parkinson disease, akathisia and possibly neuroleptic malignant syndrome may be associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) rarely. Citalopram, a typical SSRI, used in serotonergic dysfunction related disorders, potentially can cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as acute dystonia.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective survey on patients referred to psychiatric clinic between February 2010 and February 2011 who were prescribed citalopram by the psychiatrist. The data about Demographic, history of drug and alcohol abuse or dependence, diagnosis and citalopram consumption length collected. The daily dose of citalopram was also recorded. Acute dystonia was identified by a validated chart review and precise neurological examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine patients were included. Citalopram was initiated at a 20 mg and titrated to a mean dose of 27 mg. The median length of acute dystonia after citalopram therapy was nine days. Other common adverse events included somnolence, gastric upset and nightmare in the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case series was an effort to show the citalopram potential to trigger acute dystonia. Clinician needs to be aware of possible dystonia, as early recognition is necessary to prevent major adverse outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. smhdmoosavi@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: S Mohammad
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Moosavi
authors.forename: Mahshid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.forename: Mani B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Monajemi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors