2321 – Derealization due to dextroamphetamine: a rare side effect which could cause premature discontinuation of treatment

Abstract

Dextroamphetamine is one of the main medications for treating ADHD. It may cause several psychiatric side effects including hallucinations. As far as we know there is no previous report of clear derealization. In this report we present a 6 years old female patient with proved impression of ADHD. Her symptoms subsided with 10 mg/day Dextroamphetamine. A few months later she refused taking medication. She complained of feeling objects and persons are different and horrible way. Symptoms disappeared when the drug shifted to Ritalin. We present her history, describing symptoms of derealization and reflections of drug side effect in her drawings. We also discusses the role of side effects of Dextroamphetamine in poor compliance.

Transient depersonalisation/derealisation syndrome from tramadol

“…The irregular intake of methylphenidate, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, may be a potential factor for the manifestation of DD as withdrawal symptoms. Although the role of these neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of DD is not well established, evidence suggests that treatment with norepinephrine agonists can either exacerbate or improve DD symptoms 11 16 17. Moreover, the patient’s underlying ADHD, which involves complex interactions among dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin,18 may increase susceptibility to unexpected serotonergic effects of tramadol.…”