Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
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What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening, neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic
or antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include high fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure, stupor, muscular rigidity, and autonomic
dysfunction. In most cases, the disorder develops within the first 2 weeks of treatment with the drug; however, the disorder
may develop any time during the therapy period. The syndrome can also occur in people taking anti-Parkinsonism drugs known
as dopaminergics if those drugs are discontinued abruptly.
Is there any treatment?
Generally, intensive care is needed. The neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug is discontinued, and the fever is treated aggressively.
A muscle relaxant may be prescribed. Dopaminergic drugs, such as a dopamine agonist, have been reported to be useful.
What is the prognosis?
Early identification of and treatment for individuals with neuroleptic malignant syndrome improves outcome. If clinically
indicated, a low potency neuroleptic can be reintroduced very slowly when the individual recovers, although there is a risk
that the syndrome might recur. Another alternative is to substitute another class of drugs for the neuroleptic. Anesthesia
may be a risk to individuals who have experienced neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on neurological disorders such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Much of this research focuses
on finding ways to prevent and treat the disorder.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT
06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda,
MD
20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513/866-615-NIMH (-6464)
301-443-8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301-443-4279
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane, CDER-HFD-240
Rockville,
MD
20857
http://www.fda.gov
Tel: 301-827-4573
888-INFO-FDA (463-6332)
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Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated February 14, 2007
