title: Neuroleptic-induced catatonia in two hospitalized patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the cases of 2 hospitalized patients with chronic psychotic disorders who developed neuroleptic-induced catatonia (NIC), a catatonic-extrapyramidal syndrome occurring after administration of a D2-receptor antagonist, and delineate the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients with chronic psychotic disorders were admitted to the hospital for unstable medical conditions at which time their maintenance antipsychotic therapy was discontinued. Following administration of intravenous haloperidol, both patients developed catatonic and extrapyramidal signs. Both patients developed catatonia, rigidity, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, and elevations in creatine kinase. In both cases, the patients met the criteria for catatonia as evidenced by motoric immobility, stupor, mutism, and negativism. The syndrome resolved within a few days of stopping haloperidol and initiation of lorazepam.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neuroleptic-induced catatonia is underrecognized and can lead to potentially severe complications, although early recognition and treatment may prevent progression and complications. Previous reports do not underscore the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.
authors: Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, USA. jgugger@gmail.com
authors: James J
authors: JJ
authors: Gugger
authors: Maha
authors: M
authors: Saad
authors: Candace
authors: C
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065127:Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D065127:Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D006220:Haloperidol; D008140:Lorazepam