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Pharmacopsychiatry 2002; 35(3): 119-121
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-31518
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome due to Atypical Neuroleptics: Three Episodes in One Patient

R.  Bottlender, M.  Jäger, E.  Hofschuster, P.  Dobmeier, H.-J.  Möller
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
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Publication History

9. 10. 2000

22. 10. 2001

Publication Date:
23 May 2002 (online)

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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, but potentially lethal complication of antipsychotic medication. The risk of developing NMS under atypical neuroleptics seems lower than under typical neuroleptics. However, the use of atypical neuroleptics in modern psychopharmacotherapy is increasing, so the incidence of NMS under these drugs may also increase. Here, we will describe three episodes of NMS that fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for NMS (APA, 1994). The epivodes of NMS occured under treatment with clozapine, risperidone, and amisulpride. These episodes had some atypical features that will be discussed with regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to NMS.

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Ronald Bottlender, MD 

Psychiatrische Klinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität

Nussbaumstr. 7


80336 München

Germany

Phone: +49-89-5160-5751

Fax: +49-89-5160-4749

Email: bottlend@psy.med.uni-muenchen.de