Symptoms Of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a condition that occurs when an individual has an adverse reaction to a medication that affects the function of dopamine in the central nervous system. Because they affect the function of dopamine in the brain and spinal cord, all antipsychotic medications can result in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Although to a lesser degree than typical antipsychotics, this includes the newer atypical antipsychotics. We don't know the exact cause, but if a medication is going to lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome, most patients usually begin showing symptoms of an adverse reaction within hours to days of taking the antipsychotic.