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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and risperidone: a case report
R J Bonwick1, M J Hopwood, P L Morris
1Department of Psychiatry, Austin-Repatriation Medical Centre, West Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1996
Summary
This case report details neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in an elderly patient treated with risperidone for bipolar disorder. The patient recovered after discontinuing risperidone, highlighting a potential risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications.
- Risperidone is a widely used atypical antipsychotic for conditions like bipolar disorder.
- Understanding the specific risks of individual neuroleptics is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- An elderly patient with bipolar affective disorder developed NMS after initiating risperidone treatment.
- The patient presented with characteristic symptoms of NMS, including autonomic instability, hyperthermia, and altered mental status.
- A relapse of hypomania was also observed concurrently with NMS symptoms.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of risperidone led to the resolution of NMS symptoms.
- This case represents the first reported instance of NMS specifically linked to risperidone use.
- The clinical presentation suggests a direct association between risperidone and the development of NMS.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for NMS symptoms in patients prescribed risperidone, particularly the elderly.
- This finding underscores the importance of considering NMS when patients on risperidone exhibit unexplained severe adverse events.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms and prevalence of risperidone-induced NMS.