Aripiprazole induced hiccups: a case report

Hiccups are defined as a characteristic sound followed by repeated, involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and inspiratory muscles ending with abrupt closure of the glottis. Hiccups can arise from idiopathic, psychogenic and organic causes. In this case report, a patient diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder who developed hiccups with a novel antipsychotic aripiprazole is presented. Underlying possible mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of hiccups and clinical aspects of this rare adverse effect are also discussed.