Neuroleptic malignant syndrome : Successful treatment with bromocriptine

Abstract

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal complication of antipsychotic drugs and is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, hyperpyrexia, and autonomic dysfunctions. The pathogenesis of NMS is considered to be related to dopamine-receptor blockade in the basal ganglia and hypothalamus. Various therapeutic strategies have been employed, including conventional antiparkinsonian agents and dantrolene, but a specific treatment remains unclear. Recently, a successful use of the dopamine-receptor agonist bromocriptine was reported in three cases with NMS. This report describes a case in which bromocriptine was administered successfully to a patient with NMS induced by haloperidol. Some pathogenetic aspects of this syndrome are discussed.