Neuroleptic malignant syndrome following amoxapine overdose. 1988

N E Taylor, and H I Schwartz
Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York 10003.

The case of a patient who developed the neuroleptic malignant syndrome following an overdose of amoxapine is presented. It is suggested that amoxapine, an antidepressant structurally related to the neuroleptic loxapine, be added to the list of medications that can cause this potentially lethal syndrome. This case illustrates the need for careful evaluation and attention to differential diagnosis when psychiatric patients develop physical signs and symptoms.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009459 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome A potentially fatal syndrome associated primarily with the use of neuroleptic agents (see ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENTS) which are in turn associated with dopaminergic receptor blockade (see RECEPTORS, DOPAMINE) in the BASAL GANGLIA and HYPOTHALAMUS, and sympathetic dysregulation. Clinical features include diffuse MUSCLE RIGIDITY; TREMOR; high FEVER; diaphoresis; labile blood pressure; cognitive dysfunction; and autonomic disturbances. Serum CPK level elevation and a leukocytosis may also be present. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1199; Psychiatr Serv 1998 Sep;49(9):1163-72) Neuroleptic-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome,Neuroleptic-Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic Induced,NMS (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome),NMSs (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome),Neuroleptic Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome,Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic Induced,Neuroleptic Malignant Syndromes,Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant,Syndromes, Neuroleptic Malignant
D002389 Catatonia A neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by one or more of the following essential features: immobility, mutism, negativism (active or passive refusal to follow commands), mannerisms, stereotypies, posturing, grimacing, excitement, echolalia, echopraxia, muscular rigidity, and stupor; sometimes punctuated by sudden violent outbursts, panic, or hallucinations. This condition may be associated with psychiatric illnesses (e.g., SCHIZOPHRENIA; MOOD DISORDERS) or organic disorders (NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME; ENCEPHALITIS, etc.). (From DSM-IV, 4th ed, 1994; APA, Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms, 1994) Catatonia, Malignant,Catatonia, Organic,Lethal Catatonia,Organic Catatonic Disorder,Schizophreniform Catatonia,Catatonia, Lethal,Catatonia, Schizophreniform,Catatonias,Catatonias, Lethal,Catatonias, Malignant,Catatonias, Organic,Catatonias, Schizophreniform,Catatonic Disorder, Organic,Catatonic Disorders, Organic,Lethal Catatonias,Malignant Catatonia,Malignant Catatonias,Organic Catatonia,Organic Catatonias,Organic Catatonic Disorders,Schizophreniform Catatonias
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis
D003989 Dibenzoxazepines
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000657 Amoxapine The N-demethylated derivative of the antipsychotic agent LOXAPINE that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, or both; it also blocks dopamine receptors. Amoxapine is used for the treatment of depression. 2-Chloro-11-(1-piperazinyl)dibenz(b,f)(1,4)oxazepine,Asendin,Asendis,CL-67,772,Demolox,Desmethylloxapine,Défanyl,CL 67,772,CL67,772
D001480 Basal Ganglia Diseases Diseases of the BASAL GANGLIA including the PUTAMEN; GLOBUS PALLIDUS; claustrum; AMYGDALA; and CAUDATE NUCLEUS. DYSKINESIAS (most notably involuntary movements and alterations of the rate of movement) represent the primary clinical manifestations of these disorders. Common etiologies include CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS; NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES; and CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA. Extrapyramidal Disorders,Basal Ganglia Disorders,Lenticulostriate Disorders,Basal Ganglia Disease,Basal Ganglia Disorder,Extrapyramidal Disorder,Lenticulostriate Disorder
D013406 Suicide, Attempted The unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself. Parasuicide,Suicide Attempt,Attempt, Suicide,Attempted Suicide,Parasuicides

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