Letter to the Editor

Olanzapine-Induced Rabbit Syndrome

Authors: Samir Kumar Praharaj, MD, DPM, Sukanto Sarkar, MD, DPM, Amlan K. Jana, DPM, Vinod Kumar Sinha, MD, DPM

Abstract

To the Editor:


Rabbit syndrome (RS) is a distinct antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal syndrome characterized by fine, rhythmic, and rapid movements of the perioral muscles along a vertical axis at a frequency of about 5 Hz, mimicking the chewing actions of a rabbit.1 Although the exact prevalence of RS is unknown, it has been reported to occur in 4.4% of patients exposed to neuroleptics.2

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References

1. Villeneuve A. The rabbit syndrome. A peculiar extrapyramidal reaction. Can Psychiatr Assoc J 1972;17(suppl 2):S69.
 
2. Yassa R, Lal S. Prevalence of the rabbit syndrome. Am J Psychiatry 1986;143:656–657.
 
3. Catena Dell’osso M, Fagiolini A, Ducci F, et al. Newer antipsychotics and the rabbit syndrome. Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health 2007;3:6.
 
4. Sabolek M, Bayerle M. Rabbit syndrome due to olanzapine. Psychiatr Prax 2005;32:202–204.
 
5. Durst R, Katz G, Zislin J, et al. Rabbit syndrome treated with olanzapine. Br J Psychiatry 2000;176:193.