Valproate-Induced Bicytopenia: A Case Study.

This case report describes a 22-year-old male patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. A multidrug regimen including olanzapine and lorazepam was initiated for the patient. Sodium valproate was added to the regimen in due course and it was associated with bicytopenia in the form of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Valproate was identified as the offending drug and further doses were withheld. Lithium was used as a substitute to valproate and the patient spontaneously recovered without any further complications. This case report highlights the necessity of periodic investigations and frequent logging of blood indices to counter the threat of fatal adverse drug reactions.

Olanzapine-Induced Parkinsonism and Akathisia: A Case Report.

This article sheds light on the case of a 22-year-old patient with paranoid schizophrenia. A treatment regimen of olanzapine (an atypical antipsychotic) of 15 mg/day was initiated for the patient and it was associated with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) and akathisia. Based on the different treatment regimens available, the patient was switched to an alternate antipsychotic along with anticholinergics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines, following which the patient recovered well and did not report any further side effects. The highlighted case stresses the need for proper monitoring of the drug dose and sequential periodic examination of the patient to nullify the risk of adverse effects and poor compliance.