A case of dysgraphia induced by sertraline and a review of official spontaneous adverse reaction databases

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2016 Feb;41(1):106-7. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12356. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

Abstract

What is known and objectives: The occurrence of dysgraphia after sertraline intake has never been reported. The objective was to describe a case of this adverse drug reaction and present a review of similar cases held in international databases with a discussion of the possible pharmacological mechanisms.

Case summary: We observed a 60-year-old man who experienced resting tremors, dyskinesia and dysgraphia 2 months after a stepwise increase in sertraline dosing from 50 to 200 mg/day.

What is new and conclusion: Dysgraphia is a possible adverse drug reaction to sertraline, and we suggest that inhibition of extrapyramidal dopaminergic activity might be the pharmacological mechanism.

Keywords: adverse drug reaction; dysgraphia; pharmacovigilance; sertraline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Agraphia / chemically induced*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Sertraline / administration & dosage
  • Sertraline / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sertraline
  • Dopamine