Paradoxical reaction

As paradoxical reaction, the reaction of the body is referred to an agent in medicine, which is the opposite of the intended effect. Examples include the occurrence of insomnia after taking a sleeping pill or of increased anxiety following administration of any anti-anxiety medication.

Paradoxical reactions have been observed, among others, often concerned that of ADD / ADHD people. In 1.2 % of children who have received the drug phenobarbital prior to diagnostic procedures, a paradoxical reaction is described. Also with benzodiazepines such reactions can be observed. The opposite effect, namely, a stimulant effect and damping has been described in caffeine.

Delimit From the paradoxical reaction are immunological drug reactions as well as effects that after the development of tolerance (see withdrawal syndrome ) have arisen at specific substances. Also, increasing the risk of suicide in the early stages of administration of certain antidepressants is not a paradoxical reaction in the strict sense.