Aripiprazole and neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Nov;19(6):351-3. doi: 10.1097/00004850-200411000-00007.

Abstract

Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic with a novel method of action, has only recently been awarded a license in the UK. We report our first patient to receive this drug, who had treatment-resistant schizophrenia and developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with aripiprazole. To our knowledge, this is the first published case report involving aripiprazole and NMS in a potentially fatal medical emergency. Further experience with this drug should indicate whether this is an isolated case (as described with other atypical antipsychotics) or constitutes a more serious risk than that suggested by the relatively beneficial therapeutic profile described in the literature to date.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aripiprazole
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lorazepam / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / etiology*
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage
  • Piperazines / adverse effects*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Quinolones / administration & dosage
  • Quinolones / adverse effects*
  • Quinolones / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Piperazines
  • Quinolones
  • Aripiprazole
  • Lorazepam