[Choking caused by antipsychotics]

Abstract

Background: Asphyxia is one of the most serious types of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.

Aim: To study the prevalence, course, diagnostics and treatment of asphyxia and dysphagia caused by the use of antipsychotics.

Method: The relevant literature was retrieved via Medline (1960-2005), using combinations of the (mesh) terms 'antipsychotic agents', 'dystonia', 'parkinson disease', 'secondary', 'dyskinesias', 'drug-induced', 'asphyxia' and the key words 'dysphagia' en 'respiratory'.

Results: Asphyxia caused by the use of antipsychotics can occur because of spasms of the respiratory muscles or because of an increased risk of choking (dysphagia). These phenomena can occur shortly after patients have started to take antipsychotics, for some time or even for a long time after. Patients who choke frequently or take rapid, irregular breaths interspersed with groans or sighs need to be observed closely. Risk factors are high doses of and long-term use of antipsychotics. Clinical examination of the gag reflex and the respiration contributes very little to an unequivocal diagnosis of swallowing disorders. However, swallowing disorders can be identified reliably by means of videofluoroscopy. Treatment that involves an adjustment of a patient's medication can often be effective.

Conclusion: Timely recognition of asphyxia is vital for the prevention of a life-threatening complication arising from the use of antipsychotics.