2004 issue 1

Back

Volume 13, issue 1

Case report

Homicide in confusional state triggered by action of lorazepam – case report

JANUSZ MASŁOWSKI1, ALICJA MASIAK1, MACIEJ DZIURKOWSKI1
1. Szpitala dla Nerwowo i Psychicznie Chorych w Starogardzie Gdańskim
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2004, 13 (1), 73-75
Keywords: paradoxical action / lorazepam / homicide

Abstract

Aim. To present a case of unexpected behaviour with criminal consequences, due to treatment with lorazepam.

Case report. Lorazepam had been administered to the patient in the dose of 1-2.5 mg per day for several weeks, because of depressive symptoms and insomnia. In the critical time the patient at first took 30 mg of lorazepam in attempted suicide, and about a week later – again a large dose of lorazepam and tianeptine. At night he committed murder of his wife and attempted to kill his daughter.

Comment. The authors draw attention to this rarely occurring but clinically important source of risk associated with the use of benzodiazepines. (Eds.)

Address for correspondence:
Janusz Masłowski,
Szpital dla Nerwowo i Psychicznie Chorych,
ul. Skarszewska 7,
83-200 Starogard Gdański