Citalopram-induced parkinsonian syndrome: case report

Abstract

Objectives: To draw attention on citalopram as a possible cause of movement disorders.

Methods: Case report of a patient with sudden-onset bilateral parkinsonian syndrome after administration of citalopram.

Results: We describe a 67-year-old woman who developed sudden-onset bilateral rigidity, bradykinesia, resting and postural tremor, and typical parkinsonian gait 2 weeks after citalopram was administered. After discontinuation of citalopram, full recovery was observed, with a 4/108 score on the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. Use of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reactions Probability Scale indicated a probable (score of 8) adverse reaction of sudden-onset parkinsonism associated with citalopram consumption.

Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of possible parkinsonism as adverse reaction in patient taking citalopram because recognition and appropriate management can enable proper treatment and prevent serious adverse outcomes.