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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
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

Received 14.11.2005 Revised 20.4.2006

Accepted 6.6.2006

Publikationsdatum:
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

Telefon: +41/44/384 27 82

Fax: +41/44/384 26 87

eMail: gabriella.kuenig@puk.zh.ch