Abstract

CLOZAPINE WITHDRAWAL INDUCED CATATONIA: A CASE SERIES

*Dr. Nishikant M. Throat and Dr. Shaunak Patil

ABSTRACT

Catatonia is a symptom of behavioral and motor disturbance and can occur in several disorders including neurodevelopmental, psychotic, bipolar, depressive disorders and other medical conditions. Catatonia occurring due to clozapine-withdrawal has been documented in the medical literature as case reports.[1,9,10] Prolonged use of clozapine leading to increase in GABA activity and resultant GABA receptor adaptations may result in catatonia after abrupt withdrawal of the clozapine. We are discussing here a case series of two patients who presented with catatonia following the withdrawal of clozapine. These two cases of catatonia improved with the treatment with Lorazepam and Electroconvulsive therapy.

Keywords: Catatonia, Clozapine, Withdrawal, Schizophrenia.