Abstract | BACKGROUND: AIM: METHOD: RESULTS:
Asphyxia caused by the use of antipsychotics can occur because of spasms of the respiratory muscles or because of an increased risk of choking ( dysphagia). These phenomena can occur shortly after patients have started to take antipsychotics, for some time or even for a long time after. Patients who choke frequently or take rapid, irregular breaths interspersed with groans or sighs need to be observed closely. Risk factors are high doses of and long-term use of antipsychotics. Clinical examination of the gag reflex and the respiration contributes very little to an unequivocal diagnosis of swallowing disorders. However, swallowing disorders can be identified reliably by means of videofluoroscopy. Treatment that involves an adjustment of a patient's medication can often be effective. CONCLUSION: Timely recognition of asphyxia is vital for the prevention of a life-threatening complication arising from the use of antipsychotics.
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Authors | T J Timmer, A J Fouwels |
Journal | Tijdschrift voor psychiatrie
(Tijdschr Psychiatr)
Vol. 49
Issue 10
Pg. 743-51
( 2007)
ISSN: 0303-7339 [Print] Netherlands |
Vernacular Title | Verslikking en verstikking door antipsychotica. |
PMID | 17929227
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Airway Obstruction
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Antipsychotic Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Asphyxia
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Deglutition Disorders
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced
(epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Humans
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
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