Re: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

["J. R. Bruman" <jrbruman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Murray Charters wrote:
>
> Here are some URL's for those interested in learning more about NMS.

I'm unsure why PWP in particular should be concerned about NMS
(neuroleptic malignant syndrome) since, as its name implies, it is a
fairly common (~3% of users) adverse effect of several antipsychotic
drugs, and I haven't studied the impressive links Murray has provided.

BUT, PWP should be extremely concerned and aware of a syndrome usually
described as "like" (read: indistinguishable from) NMS, associated not
with neuroleptics per se but with *abrupt reduction or withdrawal* of
drugs that aren't neuroleptics, including some used to treat PD. I
choose to call this "abrupt withdrawal syndrome" (AWS). Very rare, to
be sure, but it only needs to happen once.

I haven't checked all the PD drugs that have been associated with AWS,
but offhand I recall amantadine (Symmetrel), tolcapone (Tasmar), and
carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet). I would urge PWP to look up any drug
they may be taking, in an authoritative reference such as the PDR, to
see if AWS (my term) has been reported for that drug. If so, and if
sudden withdrawal becomes necessary, it should be monitored by a
qualified professional. Cheers,
Joe


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