The Dopamine Receptor Antagonism of Opipramol: Relevance to Parkinsonism?

Drug-induced Parkinsonism (DIP) represents the second most-frequent etiology of Parkinson syndromes after neurodegenerative disorders. It has been described mainly for antipsychotics, Ca-channel blockers, antiemetics, and gastrointestinal prokinetics. In this article, we present a clinical case series of 10 patients, retrieved within our movement disorders hospital, with DIP under intake of opipramol. Symptoms completely resolved after drug withdrawal, and associated risk factors were old age, high doses, and presence of cortical atrophy. This frequently prescribed anxiolytic drug has so far not been associated with DIP. Our objective is to raise awareness of DIP as an adverse effect of opipramol.