The mechanism of medication-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility is primarily caused by muscarinic cholinergic antagonism. This effect may cause constipation and paralytic ileus, which may lead to fatal complications. A 51-year-old woman was admitted due to manic episode recurrence. She developed paralytic ileus under quetiapine use and treated successfully under low dose amisulpride use. The related mechanism, associated risk factors, and the rationale for medication switch are discussed.
Bipolar Disorder ; Cholinergic Antagonists ; Constipation ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction* ; Middle Aged ; Quetiapine Fumarate* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors