Betel nut-induced extrapyramidal syndrome: an unusual drug interaction.

Author(s): Deahl M

Affiliation(s): Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, England.

Publication date & source: 1989, Mov Disord., 4(4):330-2.

Publication type: Case Reports

Two cases are described of chronic schizophrenic patients maintained on depot neuroleptics, who developed severe extrapyramidal symptoms following a period of heavy betel nut consumption. A mechanism for this effect is proposed based on the pharmacological antagonism of the anticholinergic agent, procyclidine, by the active alkaloid ingredient of the betel, arecoline.