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Published on: November 21, 2013

Olanzapine-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with paranoid schizophrenia

Ashish Srivastava1, Hirabai A Borkar, Sumitkumar Chandak

  • 1Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Bambolim, Goa, India. ashishsri1977@rediffmail.com

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|December 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A patient with schizophrenia developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) after taking olanzapine. This highlights the risk of NMS with atypical antipsychotics, even with olanzapine, and the need for caution with dose increases.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications.
  • While typically linked to typical (first-generation) antipsychotics, NMS can also occur with atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of a male patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who developed NMS during treatment with olanzapine.
  • Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Findings:

  • The patient's NMS developed following treatment with olanzapine, indicating that atypical antipsychotics, including olanzapine, can precipitate this adverse reaction.
  • Published case reports also document NMS associated with other atypical antipsychotics like clozapine and risperidone.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for vigilance and caution when administering olanzapine, particularly when rapidly increasing dosages in patients with psychiatric conditions.
  • Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for NMS with atypical antipsychotics and monitor patients closely for early signs and symptoms.

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