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Pharmacopsychiatry 2006; 39(5): 194-199
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-948331
Letter

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Unrecognised Long-Lasting Tramadol-Induced Delirium in Two Elderly Patients

A Case ReportG. Künig 1 , 2 , S. Dätwyler 2 , A. Eschen 2 , U. Schreiter Gasser 2
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Division of Psychogeriatric Medicine, Lenggstrasse 31, Postfach 1931, 8029 Zurich, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Division of Gerontopsychiatry, Gerontopsychiatrisches Zentrum Hegibach, Minervastrasse 145, Postfach 1682, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Received 14.11.2005 Revised 20.4.2006

Accepted 6.6.2006

Publication Date:
30 August 2006 (online)

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We present the cases of two elderly patients with intermittent long-term tramadol intake against chronic back pain. Over a period of more than two years they experienced fluctuating confusional states and cognitive deficits, reversible only after discontinuation of tramadol. According to the DSM IV-criteria, an unrecognised recurrent tramadol-induced delirium can be diagnosed in both cases. Although tramadol may represent a well established safe therapy for chronic non-malignant pain in the elderly, these cases demonstrate that it should be applied with caution even in healthy subjects.

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Correspondence

Gabriella Künig

Department of Psychiatry·University of Zurich·Division of Psychogeriatric Medicine

Lenggstrasse 31·Postfach 1931·8029 Zürich·Switzerland

Phone: +41/44/384 27 82

Fax: +41/44/384 26 87

Email: gabriella.kuenig@puk.zh.ch