Generalized Myoclonus in an Elderly Patient on Risperidone: A Rare but Important Adverse Effect

<b>Objective:</b> Drug-induced myoclonus is a rare adverse effect associated with several drug classes, including antipsychotics. This case report describes a patient who developed generalized myoclonic jerks while on long-term risperidone therapy, in the context of concomitant sertraline use, without fulfilling clinical criteria for serotonin syndrome. <b>Case Presentation:</b> We present a 73-year-old male patient with a history of cerebrovascular disease and behavioral symptoms treated with sertraline and risperidone. The patient developed sudden, generalized myoclonic movements. Neurological examination and imaging studies excluded acute structural pathology and metabolic or infectious causes. Serotonin syndrome was ruled out based on clinical findings. The myoclonus resolved rapidly after discontinuation of risperidone, without any specific symptomatic treatment, suggesting a potential drug-related mechanism. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case highlights the importance of recognizing antipsychotic-related myoclonus as a potentially reversible condition. Clinicians should consider drug-induced myoclonus in the differential diagnosis and pay special attention to the risks posed by polypharmacy involving psychotropic agents.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Case Reports in Psychiatry
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/crps/7576076
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Glycogen Storage Diseases and Myoclonus
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.67
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Generalized Myoclonus in an Elderly Patient on Risperidone: A Rare but Important Adverse Effect

Özlem Totuk, Özge Gönül Öner
1 citations
Case Reports in Psychiatry
Glycogen Storage Diseases and Myoclonus
1.67
article

Generalized Myoclonus in an Elderly Patient on Risperidone: A Rare but Important Adverse Effect

Özlem Totuk, Özge Gönül Öner
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> Drug-induced myoclonus is a rare adverse effect associated with several drug classes, including antipsychotics. This case report describes a patient who developed generalized myoclonic jerks while on long-term risperidone therapy, in the context of concomitant sertraline use, without fulfilling clinical criteria for serotonin syndrome. <b>Case Presentation:</b> We present a 73-year-old male patient with a history of cerebrovascular disease and behavioral symptoms treated with sertraline and risperidone. The patient developed sudden, generalized myoclonic movements. Neurological examination and imaging studies excluded acute structural pathology and metabolic or infectious causes. Serotonin syndrome was ruled out based on clinical findings. The myoclonus resolved rapidly after discontinuation of risperidone, without any specific symptomatic treatment, suggesting a potential drug-related mechanism. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case highlights the importance of recognizing antipsychotic-related myoclonus as a potentially reversible condition. Clinicians should consider drug-induced myoclonus in the differential diagnosis and pay special attention to the risks posed by polypharmacy involving psychotropic agents.

Case Reports in PsychiatryVol. 2025(1)
Education Training And Research (US), İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi (TR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Glycogen Storage Diseases and Myoclonus
1.67
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Generalized Myoclonus in an Elderly Patient on Risperidone: A Rare but Important Adverse Effect — Özlem Totuk, Özge Gönül Öner · Case Reports in Psychiatry (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS