Neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are a leading cause of neuroleptic malignant syndrome—for features, see here and for diagnostic criteria, see here.

If a patient has suspected or confirmed neuroleptic malignant syndrome, arrange immediate transfer to hospital because the syndrome is life-threatening. Treatment involves stopping the antipsychotic—for further treatment advice, see here.

Approximately one-third of patients with suspected or confirmed neuroleptic malignant syndrome redevelop the syndrome if an antipsychotic is restarted—seek advice from a psychiatrist to determine whether, and how, to restart antipsychotic therapy.