Oseltamivir-induced behavioral changes in a female Lebanese adolescent: a case report of a usual drug with unusual side effect

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, including abnormal behavior, after oseltamivir use among influenza patients have been of concern. In recent years, many case reports of neuropsychiatric events during or after oseltamivir treatment were reported; however, literature review revealed no such cases in Lebanon. Oseltamivir is the most widely prescribed medication against influenza and is generally well tolerated, causing random gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, in rare instances, it has been reported to stimulate behavioral activities in adolescents. We report herein a case of an oseltamivir-related neuropsychiatric event in a female adolescent in Lebanon, which resolved 2 days after stopping the drug.