Neutropenia in a schizophrenia patient following combined lurasidone and paliperidone therapy: a case report

PURPOSE: Lurasidon is a relatively new, second-generation antipsychotic drug with an interesting receptor profile. It is considered to be safe and has a low risk of side effects. It is a substance with a multi-receptor mechanism of action: it mainly blocks dopaminergic D2 and serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, the adverse reaction of neutropenia was too rare to enable the estimation of its frequency. CASE DESCRIPTION: A case of 39-year-old patient is presented in the article, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, who developed neutropenia as a result of treatment with lurasidone. After the discontinuation of lurasidone and recommended supplementation, the blood test results gradually improved and finally reached the normal range. COMMENT: This case report shows the need for regular monitoring of blood cell parameters in patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics, as there is a risk of neutrocytopenia or even agranulocitosis.