Acute generalized myoclonus following buspirone administration

J Clin Psychiatry. 1988 Jun;49(6):242-3.

Abstract

The authors present a case of a 62-year-old woman who was hospitalized with severe medical problems that included congestive heart failure secondary to mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, chronic renal failure, and a recent history of a right cerebral lacunar infarction. She also had a 2-year history of anxiety and depression, manifested in the hospital by frequent crying spells, sleeplessness, and ruminating about her illnesses. The patient received buspirone 5 mg three times a day for her anxiety and depression. Approximately 12 hours after her first dose, she developed dramatic myoclonus, dystonias, and akathisia. She was given 25 mg of intramuscular diphenhydramine and 1 mg of intramuscular benztropine mesylate, which resulted in little relief; however, 1 mg clonazepam caused both the myoclonic jerks and dystonias to resolve completely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy
  • Buspirone / adverse effects*
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Dystonia / chemically induced
  • Dystonia / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoclonus / chemically induced*
  • Myoclonus / drug therapy

Substances

  • Clonazepam
  • Buspirone