A hazardous side effect of neuroleptics: diagnosis and treatment
Epperly, T.D.; McGlaughlin, V.G.; Leo, K.U.
Geriatrics 45(8): 58-62
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-867X PMID: 1974232 Document Number: 350303
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal disease process characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental status, muscular rigidity, and autonomic instability. This syndrome is most often seen in patients who are taking neuroleptics and other psychoactive medications. Primary care physicians are often the first providers to see patients with this syndrome and must be alert to its potential diagnosis. Treatment should be immediate and consists of discontinuing the neuroleptic medication; supporting pulmonary, cardiovascular, and renal functions, and using bromocriptine and/or dantrolene.