The rabbit syndrome is an uncommon, involuntary neurologic syndrome that may be drug-induced.
Classification: extrapyramidal movement disorder
Features of rabbit syndrome:
(1) fine, rapid, rhythmic movements of perioral muscle in the vertical axis
(2) affect the buccal region and lips but not the tongue
(3) resembles the chewing motions of a rabbit
It has been most often described with antipyschotic medications including:
(1) lurasidone
(2) risperidone
(3) paliperidone
(4) ziprasidone
(5) levosulpiride
(6) amisulpride
(7) clozapine
(8) olanzapine
(9) aripiprazole
It has occurred in patients taking other types of drugs including:
(1) peginterferon alpha
(2) topical minoxidil
(3) citalopram (SSRI)
Distinction from tardive dyskinesia: The rabbit syndrome does not show the tongue movements seen in tardive dyskinesia.
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Specialty: Neurology, Pharmacology, clinical
