Antipsychotic agents neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Antipsychotic drugs include the older phenothiazines and butyrophenones, as well as newer atypical drugs. All of these can cause CNS depression, seizures, and hypotension. Some can cause QT prolongation. The potent dopamine D2 blockers are also associated with parkinsonian-like movement disorders (dystonic reactions) and in rare cases with the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by "lead-pipe" rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability (see Chapter 29 Antipsychotic Agents Lithium). 

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a hyperthermic disorder seen in some patients who use antipsychotic agents and is characterized by hyperthermia, muscie rigidity (often so severe as to be caiied iead-pipe rigidity), metaboiic acidosis, and confusion. 

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