Trazodone-induced parkinsonism in a middle-aged male: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Trazodone is an antidepressant agent approved for treating major depressive disorders and is also prescribed forinsomnia due to its sedative effect. In a few cases, trazodone was associated with parkinsonism. Herein, we describe a case ofparkinsonism after a brief exposure to a moderate dose of trazodone. Objective: To describe a case of a patient with trazodone-induced parkinsonism in which the diagnosis was suspected after theexclusion of other common and serious causes. Methods: A case report of trazodone-induced parkinsonism. Clinical Case: A 58-year-old male with sleeping problems was prescribed trazodone 50 mg daily at bedtime. The subject doubledthe dosage without medical advice a week later. After 14 days of trazodone treatment, he started to experience difficulty inmoving his upper limbs and recurrent falling. Neuroimaging, electrodiagnostic studies, and laboratory exams were unremarkable.Trazodone was discontinued, and the patient fully recovered. Noteworthy, the patient developed a recurrence of the motorsymptoms with trazodone-rechallenge. Conclusion: Our case showed reversibly induced parkinsonism after a short intake of a moderate dose of trazodone which wasprescribed for insomnia. The patient had a complete recovery after trazodone withdrawal. Noteworthy, the symptoms recurredupon trazodone-rechallenge. Keywords: Trazodone; triazolopyridine; parkinsonism; movement disorder; drug-induced.