A number of psychiatric medications such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and haloperidol (Haldol) have all been associated with causing hallucinations, in addition to zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), ropinirole (Requip), and some seizure medications.
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold and cough medicines -- it helps stop the cough. But large doses can get you high and cause hallucinations. It's popular among teens, since cough syrup is so easy to find in medicine cabinets.
Drugs that may lead to depressive, anxious, or psychotic syndromes include corticosteroids, isotretinoin, levo-dopar mefloquine, interferon-a, and anabolic steroids, as well as some over-the-counter medications. PSEs are often difficult to diagnose and can be very harmful to patients.
The central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of beta-adrenergic blockers, including visual hallucinations, have been largely associated with highly lipophilic agents such as propranolol, timolol and pindolol [1,2].
The medications most often associated with visual hallucinations include those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric and mood disorders, movement disorders like Parkinson disease, and some antibiotics, Dr. Fraunfelder said.
Simple visual hallucinations may include flashes or geometric shapes. Complex visual hallucinations may show faces, animals or scenes and may be called 'visions'. Other types of hallucinations include feelings on the skin, smelling or tasting things that cannot be explained.
Substance-induced psychosis is a form of psychosis brought on by alcohol or other drug use. It can also occur when a person is withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs. The most common symptoms include visual hallucinations, disorientation and memory problems.
What is the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drug? The most commonly prescribed first-generation antipsychotic drugs are: Haloperidol. Perphenazine.
There are many different causes. It could be a mental illness called schizophrenia, a nervous system problem like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or of a number of other things. If you or a loved one has hallucinations, go see a doctor.
They are more common in people with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia. People with Alzheimer's disease can also have hallucinations. Hallucinations can also be caused by physical illness including fever, seizure, stroke, migraine and infection.
Drug-induced hallucinations
People can experience hallucinations when they're high on illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, LSD or ecstasy.
Olanzapine, amisulpride, ziprasidone, and quetiapine are equally effective against hallucinations, but haloperidol may be slightly inferior.
Elderly people who find themselves suffering from sleep disturbances or excessive daytime drowsiness might find that they experience hallucinations. Nighttime hallucinations in the elderly are also common and may contribute to lack of sleep which can, in turn, contribute to hallucinations.
People with psychosis typically experience delusions (false beliefs, for example, that people on television are sending them special messages or that others are trying to hurt them) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not, such as hearing voices telling them to do something or criticizing them).
This might involve hallucinations or delusions. The two main symptoms of psychosis are: hallucinations – where a person hears, sees and, in some cases, feels, smells or tastes things that aren't there; a common hallucination is hearing voices.
The typical course of a psychotic episode can be thought of as having three phases: Prodrome Phase, Acute Phase, and Recovery Phase.
schizophrenia – most people affected by schizophrenia experience a range of psychotic symptoms and commonly have difficulty organising their thoughts. bipolar disorder – involves very extreme moods (either very high or very low) that can lead to psychotic symptoms.
Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.
A psychotic episode or disorder will result in the presence of one or more of the following five categories: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, negative symptoms.
The IPSS estimated that 70% of schizophrenia patients experienced hallucinations. [2] The most common hallucinations in schizophrenia are auditory, followed by visual.
Responding to Hallucinations
Speak slowly, calmly and quietly, using simple concrete language. Be patient – it may take the person longer to process information. Reduce stimuli: turn off radios, televisions, bright lights, or anything else that may cause stress.