Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Case Report

A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by discontinuation of psychotropic drugs

Yoshiya Takahashi, M.D.1), Masamitsu Yaguchi, M.D.2), Hisa Yaguchi, M.D.2), Atsuhito Togashi, M.D.1) and Mitsunori Suzuki, M.D.3)

1) Department of Internal Medicine, Shiseido General Hospital
2) Department of Neurology, Shiseido General Hospital
3) Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiseido General Hospital

A 71-year-old woman with schizophrenia and diabetes discontinued psychotropic drugs due to right purulent knee bursitis. Five days after discontinuation, she presented with a fever of >40°C, severe disturbance of consciousness, leadpipe muscle rigidity, tachypnea, and hypertension. She was diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) induced by the discontinuation of psychotropic drugs. The patient's symptoms improved after dantrolene administration and systemic management. We investigated the clinical characteristics of cases with NMS induced by the discontinuation of psychotropic drugs reported in Japan, including the present case. When psychotropic drugs are discontinued, patients should be monitored for signs of NMS. Strict management of early onset NMS is needed to prevent the condition from worsening.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (1083K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 62: 850|855, 2022)
key words: discontinuation of psychotropic drugs, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, cholinergic rebound

(Received: 18-Mar-22)