Syndrome #1
Four Potentially Fatal Syndromes Due to Psychotropic Drugs Requiring Emergency Medical Care:
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS):
Potentially lethal disorder caused by a sudden reduction of Dopamine in the Central Nervous System brought on by high-potency anti-psychotics such as Haldol. This was first reported in 1960 (the first anti-psychotic was introduced in 1959).
Symptoms:
High fever, mental changes, rigidity occurring and cardio-vascular dysfunction within 30 days of starting the medication or after a second neuroleptic or Lithium is added.
Management:
Prompt recognition. Stop the neuroleptic medication.
Supportive care (reduces fever, sedation, assist respirations and cardio-vascular and renal function. Muscle relaxant medication is required.
Supportive care (reduces fever, sedation, assist respirations and cardio-vascular and renal function. Muscle relaxant medication is required.