To report a case of suspected neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) associated with clozapine therapy.
CASE SUMMARY:
A 42-year-old schizophrenic man treated with clozapine developed a temperature of 39.5 °C, diaphoresis, tachycardia, rigidity, and leukocytosis. His serum creatine kinase concentration was 25 000 U/L. A diagnosis of NMS was made. He was treated with bromocriptine and supportive therapy, and recovered within a week.
DISCUSSION:
Despite earlier expectations that clozapine, with a pharmacologic profile differing from that of other antipsychotic medications, might not cause NMS, NMS remains the most likely diagnosis in this case.
CONCLUSIONS:
NMS may be a possible complication of clozapine therapy.
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