Patients with mental disorders are given drugs that will deal with their behavior. Such drugs may come in tranquilizers, anti depressants, anxiolytics, etc. These drugs are called antipsychotic drugs. In extreme cases, patients are given medications to prevent compulsions, anxiety, and seizures.
Antipsychotic drugs are artificial drugs used to manage mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, and other related mental problems. But then again, numerous medical researches and studies have reiterated the severe side effects of these drugs. One of which is Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a result of the complications brought by the use of antipsychotic drugs.
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
This condition is characterized by rigidity, dysregulation, and hyperthermia. The condition is worse but according to experts, only a very small number of mentally disabled patients suffer from NMS. Such complications caused by antipsychotic drugs are controlled. But this low incident rate of NMS makes it hard for scientists to come up with viable treatment.
One of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs is the haloperidol which controls delirium and agitation of the patient. However, this drug is considered to be the number one trigger for NMS. Other drugs that may cause NMS are metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, and other forms of sedatives. Drug reaction varies from one patient to another. It is important that a physician or psychiatrist be consulted once the patient shows manifestations or symptoms of Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Early detection is still the best key in relieving the patient from this acute side effect. Since the patient is mentally unstable, nurses may overlook some their actions and behavior and consider them as natural reactions. However, it may already be the start of NMS so it is highly essential that the following signs be observed:
• Agitation and extreme anxiety
• Underlying brain damage
• Catatonia
• Extreme dehydration
• Low serum iron
NMS may result to death. It is a fatal side effect especially when high temperatures are developed and or episodes are prolonged. The patient may suffer from renal failure, pneumonia, cardio-respiratory arrest, and breakdown of the entire system.
Only Hope. Nevertheless, NMS is very rare on patients. Until powerful drugs with lesser risks have been invented, doctors will continue to prescribe antipsychotic drugs to patients as the only option.
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