Levofloxacin-induced Psychosis in a Young Healthy Patient

Abstract

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic commonly used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is normally well tolerated with the most common side effect being gastrointestinal distress. Severe side effects including neuropsychiatric symptoms are rare but have been observed even in patients who lack risk factors or are otherwise healthy. Healthcare providers should be aware of these effects and consider transitioning to other antibiotics in patients who develop psychosis or other neuropsychiatric symptoms after initiating this medication. Symptoms rapidly improve after discontinuation of the drug, so prompt recognition can reduce morbidity and mortality. We report a case of levofloxacin-induced psychosis in a young healthy female patient.