Clinical Review

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome vs Serotonin Syndrome: Can They Be Distinguished Without an Underlying Etiology?

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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome (SS) are rare but potentially fatal conditions associated with the treatment of psychotropic medications. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is believed to be caused by a reduction in dopaminergic activity secondary to drug-induced dopaminergic blockage, whereas SS results from an excess of central nervous system (CNS) serotonin activity, usually because of serotonin agonist polypharmacy or a drug-drug interaction involving serotonin agonist drugs.(1,2)


 

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