Possible Garcinia cambogia-Induced Mania With Psychosis: A Case Report

David C. Nguyen, Tysen K. Timmer, Blair C. Davison, Ian R. McGrane

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Garcinia cambogia is a Southeast Asian fruit becoming increasingly popular as a weight management supplement. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the primary active ingredient which demonstrates serotonergic- and muscarinic-enhancing properties via inhibition of selective serotonin reuptake and acetylcholinesterase. We report a young adult female with no history of bipolar disorder who developed mania and psychosis approximately 1 week following initiation of G cambogia and the Cleanse and Detox™ dietary supplement manufactured by Apex Vitality Health. She presented with a predominantly expansive mood, psychomotor agitation, disorganized and pressured speech, flight of ideas, grandiosity, delusions, and auditory hallucinations. Following discontinuation of G cambogia and the initiation of lithium and quetiapine, the patient experienced rapid and progressive mood stabilization and was discharged after 8 days. Seven previous case reports associating (hypo)mania and/or psychosis with G cambogia consumption have been published. The chronology of mania and/or psychosis onset may appear between 1 and 8 weeks following initiation of G cambogia. Psychiatric symptoms have resolved with G cambogia discontinuation in some instances and may not require chronic pharmacotherapy. Our report should encourage further research and case reports regarding this adverse event and the reconciliation of complete herbal supplement use at clinic visits and hospital admissions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-102
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Pharmacy Practice
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2019

Keywords

  • Garcinia cambogia
  • case report
  • hydroxycitric acid
  • mania
  • psychosis

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