Rebound Catatonia Associated With Injectable Paliperidone

Paliperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. It is a metabolite of risperidone and has a similar mechanism of action, primarily blocking dopamine 2 receptors (D2 receptors) in the brain. Paliperidone has various adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and metabolic disturbances. Catatonia is rare but severe side effects can occur in the context of an underlying psychiatric, neurologic, or general medical condition. Paradoxically, antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia or bipolar spectrum disorders can precipitate or worsen catatonic symptoms. The report suggests that 17-19% of all cases diagnosed as catatonia due to other medical conditions are medication-induced. Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that presents as a cluster of psychomotor signs and symptoms resulting in movement and behavior aberrations. Various symptoms, including mutism, stupor, rigidity, and abnormal movements, characterize catatonia. Catatonia is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and management. Here, we present a case of a patient with catatonia associated with long-acting injectable paliperidone intramuscular therapy in a patient with schizophrenia.