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Medications that affect CNS neurotransmitter levels may induce tactile hallucinations

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Abstract

Tactile hallucinations may be induced by some prescription medications, recreational drug use and underlying organic and psychiatric conditions, as well as being a manifestation of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis. This article reviews the evidence, albeit limited, indicating that tactile hallucinations may be induced by medications that affect CNS neurotransmitter levels (i.e. dopaminergic, serotonergic and anti-adrenergic agents). Medication-induced tactile hallucinations can generally be managed by modifying the dosage of the causative drug or discontinuing treatment.

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Correspondence to Adis Medical Writers.

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The article was adapted from the American Journal Clinical Dermatology 2016;17(6):643–52 [1] by salaried employees of Adis/Springer and was not supported by any external funding.

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Medical Writers, A. Medications that affect CNS neurotransmitter levels may induce tactile hallucinations. Drugs Ther Perspect 33, 279–282 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-017-0394-x

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