# Oculogyric Crisis Following Dosage Increase of Aripiprazole: A Case Report

**Authors:** Nikhale Malik, Sally Othman, Apoorv Tiwari, Sushmita Mantravadi, Syeda Salari, Abed Dabaja, Sujata Kambhatla

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65295 · Cureus · 2024-07-24

## TL;DR

A 24-year-old man developed oculogyric crisis after increasing aripiprazole dosage, which was successfully treated with benztropine and diphenhydramine.

## Contribution

This case report documents aripiprazole-induced oculogyric crisis and its effective management with benztropine and diphenhydramine.

## Key findings

- Aripiprazole dosage increase led to oculogyric crisis in a psychiatric patient.
- Benztropine and diphenhydramine resolved the crisis promptly.
- The case highlights the need for monitoring for dystonic side effects with aripiprazole.

## Abstract

Oculogyric crisis (OGC) is a form of acute dystonia with involuntary conjugated ocular gaze in a fixed position. Common causes include metabolic disorders and medications, primarily typical antipsychotics. A 24-year-old male with a history of persistent depressive disorder and possible bipolar disorder was admitted to the psychiatric unit due to suicidal ideation. He was started on aripiprazole 5 mg and subsequently increased to 10 mg due to uncontrolled mood disorder. The patient subsequently developed OGC, which resolved with benztropine and diphenhydramine. This case report highlights aripiprazole-induced OGC and prompt management with benztropine and first-generation antihistamines.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** aripiprazole (PubChem CID 60795), benztropine (PubChem CID 1201549), diphenhydramine (PubChem CID 3100)
- **Diseases:** bipolar disorder (MONDO:0004985), oculogyric crisis (MONDO:0000483)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** mood disorder (MESH:D019964), suicidal ideation (MESH:D001072), depressive disorder (MESH:D003866), dystonia (MESH:D004421), metabolic disorders (MESH:D008659), bipolar disorder (MESH:D001714), psychiatric (MESH:D001523), OGC (MESH:D001752)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11343580/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11343580