New-Onset Seizures in an Adolescent Following Use of LSD while on Low-Dose Lithium Therapy: A Case Study.

Edwards, Cole; Van Gerpen, Shawn; Anand, Vivek

This case report presents an occurrence of three generalized seizures within 30 minutes of ingestion of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in a 15-year-old female patient with treatment-resistant depressive disorder recently started on low-dose lithium therapy. She had no personal or family history of seizure, brain injury or other neurological disorder. The patient had a history of monthly LSD use on several occasions in the setting of ongoing fluoxetine and longacting bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) treatment, with seizures occurring only after initiation of lithium. Although the definitive causal link cannot be established, this case report suggests an increased seizure risk with combination of LSD and lithium, even at subtherapeutic serum lithium levels. This case emphasizes the need for further research, careful clinical practice, and patient education regarding the potential dangers of using psychedelic substances with psychopharmacological treatment.

LSD (Drug); EPILEPSY; LITHIUM carbonate; SEIZURES (Medicine); TEENAGERS; BUPROPION

South Dakota Medicine, 2024, Vol 77, Issue 1, p31

0038-3317

Academic Journal