Can quetiapine-induced hypothyroidism be reversible without quetiapine discontinuation?

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2009 Sep-Oct;32(5):295-6. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181a8cbcc.

Abstract

Recent clinical trials and case reports have recorded dose-related thyroid function test abnormalities during quetiapine treatment usually requiring drug discontinuation or initiation of thyroid replacement therapy. The authors highlight the potential reversibility of quetiapine-induced hypothyroidism without quetiapine discontinuation in 2 in-patients (a 51-year-old schizophrenic woman and a 46-year-old bipolar man) to which quetiapine (300 and 350 mg/d, respectively) was administered. Both patients had a negative personal and family history of thyroid dysfunction. Significant decreases in T4/free T4 levels and a marked elevation in thyroid-stimulating hormone level were recorded without any clinical signs of hypothyroidism 3 weeks after quetiapine initiation. Antithyroid antibody titers remained within reference range. Thyroid function tests returned to normal 6 weeks after quetiapine initiation, although quetiapine was continued at the same daily dose without thyroid replacement therapy. These are the first cases reporting spontaneous resolution of quetiapine-induced hypothyroidism without quetiapine discontinuation. We suggest careful thyroid monitoring for patients initiating quetiapine. However, physicians can wait in cases of quetiapine-induced hypothyroidism if a close laboratory monitoring is available because thyroid dysregulation may soon resolve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dibenzothiazepines / administration & dosage*
  • Dibenzothiazepines / adverse effects*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / blood
  • Hypothyroidism / chemically induced*
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quetiapine Fumarate

Substances

  • Dibenzothiazepines
  • Quetiapine Fumarate