5. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome—

Patients who are particularly sensitive to the extrapyramidal effects of antipsychotic drugs may develop a malignant hyperthermic syndrome. The symptoms include muscle rigidity, impairment of sweating, hyperpyrexia, and autonomic instability, which may be life threatening. Treatment necessitates discontinuation of the antipsychotic agent and supportive therapy. Drug treatment involves the prompt use of dantrolene, diazepam, bromocriptine and dopamine agonists The antipsychotics depress the hypothalamus, affecting thermoregulation it is characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, altered mental status and stupor, unstable blood pressure, and myoglobinemia.