The Use of Quetiapine for the Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting are common in the palliative demographic and can significantly affect quality of life. Initial management strategies involve tailoring antiemetic selection to the underlying cause. Whilst in refractory cases, management is often switched to a broader spectrum antipsychotic agent (such as levomepromazine or olanzapine). Yet in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease antiemetics which antagonize central dopamine are avoided, as they have the potential to exacerbate motor control or even precipitate Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome. Consequently, antiemetic options for patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease are limited. This is the first report of quetiapine being successfully used for the management of nausea and vomiting in an individual with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.