Timo Greiner1, Michael Schneider1, Johannes Regente1,2, Sermin Toto3, Stefan Bleich3, Renate Grohmann4, Martin Heinze1. 1. University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School , Rüdersdorf , Germany. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians University , Munich , Germany.
Abstract
Objective: Priapism is a rare adverse effect of several psychotropics. Both, typical and atypical antipsychotics, as well as trazodone are known to cause priapism. The mechanism is still not fully understood, however, the most common assumption is that priapism occurs due to the α-adrenergic blocking effects of the drugs. Methods: Here we present from the AMSP database 19 cases of priapism being likely caused by a variety of psychotropics. We further reviewed case reports in order to find similarities and to identify risk factors. Results: Several patterns emerged: common was the introduction of a specific drug to a patient resulting into the immediate development of priapism, as well as a change in drug plasma concentration due to a change of drug dosage or due to comedication with certain SSRIs. Conclusion: However, priapism can occur at nearly any age and with any dose. Clinicians must be aware of the risk and reports of early signs, such as prolonged erections, should be taken seriously.
Objective: Priapism is a rare adverse effect of several psychotropics. Both, typical and atypical antipsychotics, as well as trazodone are known to cause priapism. The mechanism is still not fully understood, however, the most common assumption is that priapism occurs due to the α-adrenergic blocking effects of the drugs. Methods: Here we present from the AMSP database 19 cases of priapism being likely caused by a variety of psychotropics. We further reviewed case reports in order to find similarities and to identify risk factors. Results: Several patterns emerged: common was the introduction of a specific drug to a patient resulting into the immediate development of priapism, as well as a change in drug plasma concentration due to a change of drug dosage or due to comedication with certain SSRIs. Conclusion: However, priapism can occur at nearly any age and with any dose. Clinicians must be aware of the risk and reports of early signs, such as prolonged erections, should be taken seriously.
Entities:
Keywords:
Priapism; adverse drug reaction; antipsychotics; trazodone; α1-adrenoreceptor block