Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a disabling reaction to neuroleptic drugs recently discussed in psychiatric literature in Europe, Japan, and the United States. It is rare but potentially fatal and is more likely to occur in men, especially young men, than in women. The cause is unknown, but dopamine depletion in the brain is suspected. Treatment usually begins by withdrawing the neuroleptics and then providing supportive therapy for the usual symptoms of high fever, muscular rigidity, labile blood pressure, and tachycardia. The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome usually lasts two to three weeks.