[Orbital edema induced by psychotropic drugs?].

INTRODUCTION

Drugs known to be responsible for orbital edema are calcium channel blockers, rifampicin, atracurarium, methylprednisolone and mannitol. We describe three patients with orbital edema induced by psychotropic drugs administrated for a long period of time.

OBSERVATIONS: These patients were aged 51 to 73 years, and had orbital edema predominant in the morning, but persisting during the day. All the other causes of orbital edema--including steatoblepharon--were ruled out by medical history and investigations. In one case the edema decreased after the interruption of nearly all psychotropic drugs.

DISCUSSION: The exclusive orbital localization of the edema suggests a local or regional mechanism that could be an exacerbation of the physiological morning orbital edema induced by decreased lymphatic flow. This flow is usually enhanced by gravity and automatic palpebral blinking.