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Is Lorazepam a Treatment for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Andrew Francis ,
Sanjay Chandragiri ,
Syed Rizvi ,
Monika Koch  and
Georgios Petrides
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Abstract

The authors assessed the ability of lorazepam and other benzodiazepines to affect the course of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Records of inpatients who met both stringent research criteria and criteria under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, (DSM-IV) (n=11) or DSM-IV criteria alone (n=5)for NMS were identified. All received lorazepam or related benzodiazepines within 24 hours of NMS onset or hospital admission. The records were reviewed for resolution of clinical signs NMS. Rigidity and fever abated within 24—48 hours, while secondary features of NMS were relieved within 64 hours. These results compared favorably with prior reports of 5-day to 10-day recovery periods. Benzodiazepine administration appeared to be well tolerated. Lorazepam and related benzodiazepines may reduce recovery time in NMS.

Type
Feature Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 5 , Issue 7: Mechanisms and Presentations of Catatonia , July 2000 , pp. 54 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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