title: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. When levodopa withdrawal is the cause.
abstract: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome has been described in patients receiving dopamine antagonists and in a few patients after withdrawal of dopaminergic antiparkinson therapy. Complications affect almost all organ systems and can be life-threatening. Most patients have fever, altered level of consciousness, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Treatment includes withdrawal of the causative agent and supportive therapy for complications. When withdrawal of a dopaminergic medication is the suspected cause, the agent should be reinstated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85006.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rainer
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Scheinost
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Lefeber
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa