Recurring deja vu associated with 5-hydroxytryptophan

Background: Deja vu occurs both in normal experience and as a neuropsychiatric symptom. Its pathogenesis is partially understood. We describe an iatrogenic case with implications for the neuropharmacological basis of deja vu. Case presentation: A 42-year-old woman received 5-hydroxytryptophan, in combination with carbidopa, as treatment for palatal tremor, on two occasions, separated by 1 week. On each occasion, she experienced intense, protracted deja vu, lasting for several hours. We discuss her case in relation to the neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological basis of deja vu. Conclusion: The serotonergic system is involved in the genesis of deja vu.