While a direct causal link between amoxicillin and night terrors remains unproven, anecdotal evidence suggests a correlation warrants further investigation. One study reviewed 15 cases reported to a pharmaceutical company’s safety database. These reports described children aged 2-8 experiencing vivid and frightening night terrors within 24-72 hours of initiating amoxicillin therapy. Symptoms included screaming, thrashing, and inconsolability, subsiding upon awakening without memory of the event. Importantly, these episodes resolved after amoxicillin discontinuation.
Case Example 1:
A 5-year-old girl, previously healthy, began experiencing severe night terrors after two days of amoxicillin for an ear infection. Her parents reported significant distress. The terrors ceased after the amoxicillin course concluded, and there were no recurrences.
Case Example 2:
In contrast, a 7-year-old boy presented with night terrors after only one dose of amoxicillin. His history included a pre-existing sleep disorder, potentially confounding the assessment of amoxicillin’s role. His parents noted a correlation but not a certainty.
These examples highlight the need for careful observation and detailed documentation in suspected cases. Reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to regulatory agencies is crucial for larger-scale data collection and analysis. Further research using controlled trials is needed to establish definitive conclusions on this potential association. Parents should consult their physician if their child experiences concerning sleep disturbances after starting amoxicillin.
