Which of the following medication may cause psychotic episode such as emotional lability, hallucinations, mania, mood swings and schizophrenic reasons?

LN is 84 YOM who is in hospital for a back surgery. His height is 5 feet and 4 inches, weight 85 kg and NKDA.

His past medical history includes hypertension, diabetes mellitus, major depression, hypothyroidism and chronic back pain. Post-op day 1, LN’s medication includes Dexamethasone 8 mg iv q6h with taper dosing, Ondansetron 4mg iv q6h prn for N/V, Levothyroxine 0.075 mg po daily, Lisinopril 10mg po daily, Citalopram 20mg po daily, Docusate sodium / Senna 1 tab po twice a day, Bisacodyl 10mg suppository daily prn for constipation, Famotidine 20mg iv q12hr, Metoclopramide 10mg iv q6h, Metformin 500mg po bid, D51/2NS with 20K at 125mls/hour and Hydromorphone PCA at 0.2mg/hour of basal rate, demand dose 0.1mg. lock-out every 6min, one hour limit 2.2mg/hour. Pertinent morning labs includes serum creatinine 1.4mg/dl, Mg 1.5mg/dl, K 5.0mmol/L, Na 135 mmol/L.

Which of the following medication may cause psychotic episode such as emotional lability, hallucinations, mania, mood swings and schizophrenic reasons?

A. Lisinopril

B. Dexamethasone

C. Famotidine

D. Metoclopramide

E. Hydromorphone

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

Dexamethasone is associated with psychiatric disturbances. Corticosteroids may exacerbate pre-existing psychiatric conditions.