Aripiprazole-Related Oculogyric Dystonia

Objectives : Aripiprazole is unique drug among the SGA (Second generation antipsychotics) in its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics,but is similar in clinical efficacy. Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors, activating the receptor but eliciting a reduced response compared to the natural neurotransmitter. There are some side effects of aripiprazole, the most common side effects of aripiprazole are headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremor, constipation and EPS. Difficulty in opening eyes is not defined EPS yet, but it is a rare but important side-effect symptom of aripiprazole. Methods : This article is about a case of side-effect symptom of aripiprazole, 26-year-old single female suffering from schizophrenia had difficulty in opening eyes while she was taking antipsychotics. During the hospitalization, the relaxation therapy is helpful not only to reduce tension in the eyelids but also to headache. Results : It is important that early recognition of aripiprazole-induced oculogyric dystonia can prevent life-threatening complications. Education medical staff to this easily treatable reaction will improve overall quality of health care. Conclusions : This case notifies the need for awareness of the risk of acute oculogyric dystonia in adolescent female patients receiving aripiprazole.