The Role of Atypical Antipsychotics in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Report of Two Cases and

Authors : Nurettin Özgür Doğan

Pages : 131-134

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Publication Date : 2014-04-01

Article Type : Other

Abstract :Introduction: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal reaction to an antipsychotic drug. The main features of NMS are muscle rigidity and hyperthermia that may be accompanied by other extrapyramidal effects, autonomic instability, and mental status changes. NMS is thought to occur more frequently with typical antipsychotics than with atypical or low-potency antipsychotics.   Case Report: Two cases with NMS were reported in this manuscript, which were previously treated with quetiapine and clozapine regimens for schizophrenia and acute psychosis. Both of the cases had prominent fever and muscular rigidity. One of the patients presented with syncope to the emergency department; the other patient had significant alterations in mental status. Differential diagnosis with other infectious and neurological diseases, including stroke and meningitis, was conducted. Both of the cases survived with standard supportive care, and none of them required dantrolene.   Conclusion: Due to the widespread use of atypical agents in treatment regimens, the syndrome tends to occur with atypical antipsychotic drugs much more often.
Keywords : Nöroleptik malign sendrom, bilinç değişikliği, acil servis