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Pharmacopsychiatry 2004; 37(3): 134-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-818993
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Esophageal Dysfunction on Psychotropic Medication

A Case Report and Literature ReviewAlessia S. Maddalena1 , Mark Fox2 , Marc Hofmann1 , Christoph Hock1
  • 1Division of Psychiatry Research, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 13.11.2002 Revised: 8.1.2003

Accepted: 2.4.2003

Publication Date:
12 May 2004 (online)

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We report the association of long-term clozapine and clomipramine therapy with severe esophageal dilation and hypomotility in a patient with chronic schizophrenia leading to life threatening aspiration pneumonia. Severe aspiration pneumonia manifested suddenly and required intubation and intensive care. Gross impairment of swallowing function with esophageal dilation and hypomotility was detected on videofluoroscopy and manometry. The patient recovered well following a reduction in the dose of clozapine and the withdrawal of clomipramine. The restoration of esophageal function was documented by manometry. The reported side effects and possible pharmacological actions of clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic, and clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, on esophageal motility are discussed.

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Christoph Hock, M.D.

Division of Psychiatry Research

Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich

Lenggstrasse 31

8029 Zurich

Switzerland

Phone: +41-1-384-2271

Fax: +41-1-384-2275

Email: chock@ bli.unizh.ch