Drug-Induced Stuttering: Occurrence and Possible Pathways

Abstract

Background: Stuttering is a well-known condition that affects mainly children. Often, they recover as they get older. However, a drug-induced form of stuttering may occur at any age. The aim of the present study was to detect drugs that have been associated with stuttering and discuss the mechanisms involved.Method: A descriptive study based on reports submitted to the global pharmacovigilance database VigiBase of the WHO was conducted.Results: A total of 3,385 reports of dysphemia were retrieved from VigiBase. These reports were contributed by 51 countries. Antiepileptics, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, antipsychotics, and centrally acting sympathomimetics were among the most frequently implicated drugs.Conclusion: A wide variety of drugs has been linked to the occurrence or recurrence of stuttering. Several mechanisms, such as increased dopamine levels, reduction of GABA, anticholinergic properties of drugs, or changes in serotonin levels, have been associated with the development of drug-induced stuttering. Paradoxically, agents known to reduce stuttering in some people may induce it in others.

Sertraline-Induced Stuttering in an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Currently, in the etiology of drug-induced stuttering, drugs that potentiate the dopaminergic system or affect neurotransmission in the central nervous system are particularly emphasized [3]. However, it has been stated that in addition to increased dopamine levels, decreased GABA, the anticholinergic properties of drugs and changes in serotonin levels may also contribute to the development of drug-induced stuttering [1].…”

“…Stuttering is defined as a disruption of the normal flow and timing of speech characterized by the repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, the prolongation of sounds, and interruptions in speech known as blocks [1]. Stuttering is usually classified into developmental and acquired stuttering [1].…”

“…Stuttering is defined as a disruption of the normal flow and timing of speech characterized by the repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, the prolongation of sounds, and interruptions in speech known as blocks [1]. Stuttering is usually classified into developmental and acquired stuttering [1]. Acquired stuttering can occur later in life, often as a side effect of certain neurological conditions, medications, or psychological trauma in some cases where stuttering first occurs [2].…”

“…Acquired stuttering can occur later in life, often as a side effect of certain neurological conditions, medications, or psychological trauma in some cases where stuttering first occurs [2]. There is also evidence that stuttering is caused by an adverse reaction to various medications [1]. Antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and methylphenidate have all been linked to drug-induced stuttering [1,3].…”

“…There is also evidence that stuttering is caused by an adverse reaction to various medications [1]. Antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and methylphenidate have all been linked to drug-induced stuttering [1,3]. As a result of drug-induced stuttering, the time between initiation of the causative drug and the onset of stuttering, or between reducing the dosage of the drug and the relief of stuttering, is short.…”