Clozapine rechallenge after an episode of 'neuroleptic malignant syndrome'

Nine out of 4044 patients admitted to our institution between 1987 and 1990 suffered an episode of NMS. Neuroleptic rechallenge using clozapine for persisting psychiatric illness was tolerated by eight patients. Clozapine was discontinued in one older, high-risk patient because recurrence of NMS was anticipated. Clozapine should be considered a drug of choice for psychotic patients with a history of NMS.