Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Pharmacists are trained to recognize the most common adverse effects of drugs; however, any member of the medical team can easily overlook side effects that appear to be new medical conditions. Drug-induced neurologic conditions may result from single-agent drug regimens, but they are more likely to occur when multiple agents that confer risk are administered concomitantly. Educating patients about these risks and remaining vigilant in clinical investigations of unusual adverse effects are key elements to increasing the safety of drug management.
Introduction
Along with awareness of the improved health outcomes resulting from drug therapy comes the recognition that drug therapy may also contribute to the emergence of new disorders. Mindful consideration of the possibility of drug-induced neurologic symptoms must be part of any ongoing evaluation of the evolving body of evidence obtained through clinical case reports. The emergence of new neurologic side effects of drugs heightens the challenges prescribers face when considering drug therapy. These side effects can result in potential misdiagnoses, including false psychiatric diagnoses, in the case of some drugs. Unexpected and unpredictable drug interactions can result in a confusing range of symptoms that may be identified as a new medical condition.
The term neurologic side effect
