Neuroleptic-induced dysphagia

Abstract

Neuroleptic medications may affect swallowing function. This report described 15 cases of neuroleptic-induced dysphagia and their swallowing functions were assessed by videofluorography. All the patients were administered one or more drugs including bensodiazepine sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs. Six patients had a history of aspiration pneumonia. Videofluorographic examination showed slow oral transport of the bolus. Pharyngeal clearance of the bolus was generally disturbed. These swallowing disorders resulted in impaired oral and pharyngeal swallowing phase. In patients who received withdrawal or modification of the drugs, gradual improvement of dysphagia was successfully achieved. Clinicians should be aware of the disease entity of neuroleptic-induced dysphagia and that it is a reversible feature.