Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and Clozapine Monotherapy

Abstract

Objective: This report identifies neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) occurring on a steady state dosage of clozapine monotherapy. Clinical picture: An outpatient presented with a recent history of stiffness and soreness of his legs, dizziness, polydipsia, polyuria, abdominal and chest pains. After admission to a general hospital, further symptomatology was identified including: pallor, diaphoresis, nausea, confusion, agitation, decrease in normal reflexes, minimally reactive pupils and rigid limbs. Treatment: Intravenous (I/V) diazepam was administered but failed to decrease the agitation and confusion. He was sedated with the administered of IN drop-eradol, intubated and placed on a ventilator with circulatory supports for 4 days. Outcome: On day five he was extubated and transfered to a medical ward. All laboratory values had returned to normal values by this time. The patient was subsequently discharged. Conclusions: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur at any stage of clozapine treatment, and the patient can be rechallenged after such an episode. This person was rechallenged and after 6 months of treatment has suffered no further recurrence of NMS.