Olanzapine-Induced Hypoglycemic Encephalopathy:A Case Report
Hyo Jeong Kim, MD, Dong Wook Kim, MD, Dong Joo Yun, MD, Gun-Sei Oh, MD and Sang Hyun Jang, MD
Department of Neurology, Eulji University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
ABSTRACT
Antipsychotic medications are associated with increased risks of metabolic abnormalities. We present a 44-year-old woman with underlying bipolar disorder who had been treated with atypical antipsychotics, olanzapine. After taking 50 mg olanzapine to commit suicide, she developed altered mentality. The serum glucose level was 15 mg/dL and she was treated with glucose infusion immediately. Brain MRI findings were compatible with hypoglycemic encephalopathy. Olanzapine may induce serious hypoglycemia, even in the absence of any risk factors of hypoglycemia.