What medications can be used to treat Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening condition often associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. The treatment for NMS focuses primarily on stabilizing the patient, addressing the hypermetabolic state, and reducing muscle rigidity.

Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant that acts by directly relaxing skeletal muscle. It can help decrease the rigidity and hyperthermia associated with NMS. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that can help restore the balance of dopamine in the central nervous system, which can be disrupted in NMS due to the antagonistic effects of neuroleptic medications. Both of these medications have been shown to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of NMS and are commonly utilized in treatment protocols.

In contrast, the other options listed do not directly address the underlying mechanisms or symptoms of NMS. Antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline are typically used to treat mood disorders, not NMS. Aspirin and acetaminophen can provide symptomatic relief from fever or discomfort but do not treat the core problem of NMS. Lorazepam and clonazepam, while potentially useful for calming a patient, do not specifically target the hyperthermic and muscular