DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i10.049

Pages: 4057-4059

Aripiprazole is an atypical 2nd generation antipsychotic drug which has partial agonistic and antagonistic actions at dopamine receptors in brain. Here we present a 32 year old female presenting with recurrent puerperal psychosis who showed exacerbation of psychotic symptoms when gradually increasing dose of Aripiprazole was added to first generation antipsychotic Haloperidol. Improvement was noted on Aripiprazole discontinuation. Dopamine Super sensitivity Psychosis (DSP) due to partial agonistic action in hypo dopaminergic state is postulated to be a possible mechanism leading to the worsening of psychosis in this patient. An up-regulation of Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) caused by long-term treatment with antipsychotics may contribute to DSP. In our case the patient could have been in a state of DSP following use of injectable and oral Haloperidol (a potent 1st generation antipsychotic). Thus clinicians need to be vigilant and continue monitoring the patients on Aripiprazole therapy especially when it is added to a potent antipsychotic drug.