Delirium with anticholinergic symptoms after a combination of paliperidone and olanzapine pamoate in a patient known to smoke cannabis: an unfortunate coincidence

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Jun 22:2016:bcr2016214806. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-214806.

Abstract

We report a case of delirium with anticholinergic symptoms in a 19-year-old female patient with schizophrenia. On the day the symptoms emerged, the patient received olanzapine long-acting injection and a higher dose of paliperidone. We observed symptoms ranging from confusion to delirium as well as some anticholinergic symptoms. The delirium lasted 24 hours and was managed by intravenous fluid substitution and oral benzodiazepines. Olanzapine pamoate, paliperidone and cannabis are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and their combination can increase the risks of CNS depression. In this case report, we review the symptoms of delirium in a case of antipsychotic overdose and provide general guidelines for managing these symptoms. We also review possible complications in combined use of cannabis, olanzapine and paliperidone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects*
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Delirium / drug therapy
  • Delirium / psychology
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Olanzapine
  • Paliperidone Palmitate / administration & dosage
  • Paliperidone Palmitate / adverse effects*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Olanzapine
  • Paliperidone Palmitate