Psychotic Disorder Induced by Appetite Suppressants, Phentermine or Phendimetrazine: A Case Series Study.
- Author:
Sookyoung KWAK
1
;
Tak YOUN
;
Nam Young LEE
;
In Won CHUNG
;
Se Hyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Donngguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea. sehyun_kim@dumc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Substance-induced psychotic disorder;
Substance-related disorders;
Phentermine;
Phendimetrazine
- MeSH:
Amphetamines;
Antipsychotic Agents;
Appetite Depressants*;
Appetite*;
Electronic Health Records;
Hallucinations;
Humans;
Phentermine*;
Prescriptions;
Psychotic Disorders*;
Retrospective Studies;
Substance-Related Disorders
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry
2017;24(3):134-141
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: A retrospective case series study was conducted to investigate the clinical characteristics of psychotic disorders induced by appetite suppressants, phentermine and phendimetrazine. METHODS: A retrospective electronic medical record review identified 5 admitted patients who had psychotic symptoms after taking phentermine or phendimetrazine. Clinical information was reviewed and summarized in each case. RESULTS: Hallucinations were reported in all cases, including auditory, visual, olfactory and somatic hallucinations. After discontinuation of phentermine or phendimetrazine, the symptoms rapidly improved with low dose of antipsychotics. Patients tended to have less prominent negative symptoms and higher insight into illness, and often showed depressive mood. These clinical characteristics were similar to psychosis induced by amphetamines. Two patients developed stimulant use disorder while using phentermine. CONCLUSIONS: These findings call for awareness of the risks associated with use of appetite suppressants. Prescription of phentermine or phendimetrazine should be accompanied by close monitoring of mental status, and suspicion for substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder.
