Is lorazepam a treatment for neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

A. Francis, S. Chandragiri, S. Rizvi, M. Koch, G. Petrides

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

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 of 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)54-57
Number of pages4
JournalCNS spectrums
Volume5
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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