Acute Dystonic Reactions to “Street Xanax”

Abstract

Notes that acute dystonic reactions have been reported after the ingestion of numerous medications that alter dopaminergic tone in the basal ganglia or antagonize dopamine D2 receptors. The authors describe acute dystonic reactions in six patients (4 teenage boys, a child and a 32-yr-old woman) after the ingestion of what street sellers assured them to be 'Xanax' (alprazolam). In five of these Ss the ingested drug actually proved to be haloperidol. Treatment with diphenhydramine brought about rapid resolution of symptoms. The authors note the importance of physician awareness of this drug substitution. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)