Background:

neuroleptics with an antipsychotic effect are effective in controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia, delusions and hallucinations. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is the most serious adverse effect caused by antipsychotics.

Objective:

to present an unusual case of a patient with a diagnosis of psychotic symptoms who presented a neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by antipsychotics.

Case report:

a patient who listens to voices inside his head is admitted and the doctor notes that he was hyperconcentrated and performed stereotyped movements with difficulties in wandering. At the 7th day of hospitalization he begins with generalized rigidity, tremor, language disorders and dysphagia that is interpreted as an extrapyramidal syndrome of drug cause, with increased creatinine phosphokinase (CK) levels. Bromocriptine 2.5 mg every 12 hours is used, in addition to vigorous hydration, prophylactic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin and periodic assessment of respiratory and renal function.

Conclusions:

the malignant neurological syndrome corresponds to an idiosyncratic reaction, produced by any dopamine receptor blocker drug classically associated with high potency antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol and fluphenazine, as observed in the case presented in the article, so it was necessary to identify the prodromal signs early and make the therapeutic changes in a timely manner in order to prevent the serious condition and restore the health of the patient with minimal risk.

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