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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare and life-threatening reaction to neuroleptic use. It is generally characterised by muscular rigidity, tremor, fever, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and alterations in level of consciousness. It may become apparent soon after commencing antipsychotic use or when dose is increased and should be treated as a medical emergency.

What is the evidence on neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Moderate to low quality evidence is unable to determine the prevalence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome with any particular antipsychotic use. However, review authors conclude that second generation antipsychotics are not free of the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Moderate to low quality evidence suggests no recurrence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome with clozapine treatment following an episode of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

October 2020

Last updated at: 10:50 pm, 19th October 2020
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Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.