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Extrapyramidal Symptoms with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Dinesh K. Arya
Dinesh K. Arya*
Affiliation:
Peter Hodgkinson Centre, County Hospital, Lincoln LN2 5QY
*
Masterton Hospital, P. O. Box 96, Masterton, New Zealand
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Abstract

Background

Several case reports in the literature suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can produce extrapyramidal symptoms.

Method

Computerised literature searches were used to identify reports on extrapyramidal symptoms and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Subsequently, manual searches were made for articles in which there was any indication of the mechanisms responsible for these extrapyramidal symptoms.

Results

Only a few reports could be identified in which serotonin reuptake inhibitors were implicated in extrapyramidal symptoms in some patients.

Conclusions

Evidence is discussed from preclinical and clinical studies suggesting the interaction between serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter system, as a possible mechanism for production of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Type
Review
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 6 , December 1994 , pp. 728 - 733
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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