Olanzapine-Induced Black Hairy Tongue During Treatment of Hebephrenic Schizophrenia Decompensation: A Rare Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
2024

Olanzapine-Induced Black Hairy Tongue in Schizophrenia: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Ortiga Rita, Couto Maria B, Lopes Elisa, Fonseca João B

Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave, Guimarães, PRT

Hypothesis

Is there a dose-dependent relationship between olanzapine and the development of black hairy tongue (BHT) in a patient with hebephrenic schizophrenia?

Conclusion

The increase in olanzapine dosage to 20 mg daily is likely the cause of the patient's black hairy tongue, which improved after discontinuation of the medication.

Supporting Evidence

  • The temporal coincidence between the increase in olanzapine dosage and the onset of BHT suggests a likely causal relationship.
  • BHT improved after the discontinuation of olanzapine and improvement in oral hygiene.
  • Previous episodes of psychotic decompensation did not result in BHT, indicating a possible link to olanzapine.

Takeaway

A woman with schizophrenia developed a condition called black hairy tongue after taking a higher dose of a medication called olanzapine, but it got better when she stopped taking it.

Methodology

Case report detailing the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of a patient with hebephrenic schizophrenia who developed BHT after olanzapine treatment.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the subjective nature of case reporting and reliance on clinical observations.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 56-year-old woman diagnosed with hebephrenic schizophrenia.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75044

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