Severe rhabdomyolysis induced by quetiapine and mirtazapine in a French military soldier

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis is a potential complication of psychotropic drugs use and may potentially lead to life-threatening complications, such as an acute renal failure. We describe the case of a 40-year-old military soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder was admitted for an adaptation of his treatment. Mirtazapine was introduced and quetiapine increased. Two days later, the patient presented with severe rhabdomyolysis syndrome. Mirtazapine administration was paused and intravenous hydration commenced. Shortly after the creatine kinase levels decreased enabling mirtazapine to be reintroduced without complication. It is our opinion that 5-hydroxytryptamine 2a serotonergic receptors inhibition (related to mirtazapine and quetiapine) associated with muscle training was responsible for inducing rhabdomyolysis. This must be kept in mind when psychotropic medications are adjusted, especially in an athletic population such as military.