Risperidone-associated, benign transient visual disturbances in schizophrenic patients with a past history of LSD abuse

Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2002;39(1):57-60.

Abstract

Two schizophrenic patients, who had a prior history of LSD abuse and who had previously developed EPS with classic antipsychotics, were successfully treated with risperidone. They both reported short episodes of transient visual disturbances, which appeared immediately after starting treatment with risperidone. This imagery resembled visual disturbances previously experienced as "flashbacks" related to prior LSD consumption. Risperidone administration was continued and the visual disturbances gradually wore off. During a six-month follow-up period, there was no recurrence of visual disturbances. This phenomenon may be interpreted as a benign, short-term and self-limiting side effect which does not contraindicate the use of risperidone or interfere with treatment. Conclusions based on two case reports should be taken with appropriate caution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Perceptual Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Perceptual Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Risperidone / adverse effects*
  • Schizophrenia / chemically induced*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Visual Perception / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Hallucinogens
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
  • Risperidone