Venlafaxine Linked to Probable Induction of De Novo Vocal Tics

Antidepressants are cornerstones of therapy for major depressive disorder and anxiety, yet their influence on motor pathways can lead to a variety of involuntary movements [1]. Drug-induced myoclonus, which involves sudden, brief muscle contractions, and other extrapyramidal symptoms are often linked to alterations in serotonin and dopamine signaling within the basal ganglia [2, 3]. While neurodevelopmental tics typically emerge in childhood, the sudden onset of repetitive vocalizations in adults requires a careful differential diagnosis to distinguish between functional behaviors and medication-induced effects [4, 5]. A 2025 systematic review identified level A evidence linking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including citalopram and sertraline, to drug-induced myoclonus [2]. Furthermore, recent clinical evidence suggests that the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine may specifically induce vocal tics, requiring drug discontinuation to achieve symptom resolution [6]. Identifying these rare adverse events is critical for clinicians to ensure patient safety and prevent unnecessary diagnostic escalation.