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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by lamotrigine
Masamichi Ishioka1, Norio Yasui-Furukori, Kojiro Hashimoto
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|June 21, 2013
Summary
This case report highlights a patient with bipolar I disorder who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome after initiating lamotrigine (LTG) treatment. The findings suggest LTG may induce this serious adverse reaction, warning psychiatrists about its potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- A 54-year-old male diagnosed with bipolar I disorder was undergoing treatment with aripiprazole (ARP) and lithium.
- The patient was hospitalized due to worsening depressive symptoms, prompting the initiation of lamotrigine (LTG) therapy.
Observation:
- Aripiprazole (ARP) was discontinued due to tremor development.
- Within three weeks of ARP discontinuation, the patient exhibited symptoms including high fever, muscle rigidity, diarrhea, dysphagia, and diaphoresis.
Findings:
- The observed symptoms were indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- Upon removal of lamotrigine (LTG), the patient's condition significantly improved, leading to the conclusion that LTG induced NMS.
- This case suggests a potential link between lamotrigine (LTG) and the development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
Implications:
- This case report serves as a critical warning to psychiatrists regarding the potential for lamotrigine (LTG) to induce neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for NMS when patients on lamotrigine (LTG) present with characteristic symptoms.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying LTG-induced NMS.
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