choroquine and psychiatric complications

Last edited 02/2022 and last reviewed 04/2022

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are ssociated with psychiatric reactions, including reports of depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis (1)

Advice to patients (1):

• advise patients taking hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine medicines to contact a doctor immediately if they experience new or worsening mental health problems (such as irrational thoughts, anxiety, hallucinations, and feeling confused or feeling depressed, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide)
  
  
• family members or caregivers may also be advised to be vigilant for these reactions and the need to seek medical advice if they occur

Reference:

• MRHA. Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine: increased risk of cardiovascular events when used with macrolide antibiotics; reminder of psychiatric reactions. Drug Safety Update volume 15, issue 7: February 2022: 2
• Mubagwa K. Cardiac effects and toxicity of chloroquine: a short update. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2020;56(2):106057. doi:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106057