Hiccups in an Adult Case with Schizophrenia due to Aripiprazole: A Case Report

Abstract

Neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors involved in the pathophysiology of hiccups are not well defined. However, dopamine and serotonin are reported to have roles in activating hiccups, and recent case reports suggest that some psychopharmacologic medications -such as antipsychotics- may trigger hiccups in many cases.

Our case describes the activation of hiccups in a young male with schizophrenia while being treated with aripiprazole. The patient was switched from risperidone to aripiprazole due to excessive sedation, hiccups started within 48 hours of initiation of treatment with aripiprazole at a dosage of 15 mg/day, and no change in the hiccups was observed despite a dose reduction. Discontinuation of aripiprazole treatment resulted in complete relief from hiccups.

This case report shows that antipsychotics may trigger hiccups.