J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2000 Mar;18(2):249-251.

Olanzapine-induced Neuroletpic Malignant Syndrome

• Kwak YT
• Koo MS

Abstract

We report a case of atypical neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) induced by olanzapine. It was expected that this atypical agent would not cause dystonia or NMS due to its unique mechanism of action with attenuated anti-dopamin-ergic activity and potentiated antiserotonergic activity, as well as other anti-cholinergic activity. We report the case of a 74-year-old male patient with Alzheimer's disease in whom signs and symptoms consistent with NMS developed following 2 weeks of olanzapine therapy. The patient presented with fever, changes in mental status, tremor, and rigidity. His laboratory findings were significant for increased serum creatine phosphokinase. The NMS subsided after treatment and the restart of olanzapine therapy was performed successfully. There have been few reported cases of olanzapine-induced NMS. Health care providers should be aware of the risk of olanzapine-induced NMS.

Keyword

Neuroleptic malignant sydrome, Olanzapine; Alzheimer's disease

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease
Creatine Kinase
Dystonia
Fever
Health Personnel
Humans
Male
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Tremor
Creatine Kinase