Risperidone, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and probable dementia with Lewy bodies

Abstract

1. Conflicting reports are available regarding the sensitivity of patients with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) to risperidone. 2. The authors studied a rare familial case of probable DLB, who developed a documented episode of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) following the exposure to risperidone. Previously, the patient had had an episode of NMS on trifluoperazine. 3. The discontinuance of risperidone, in combination with a mild increase of dopaminergic therapy, led to a complete recovery in few days. 4. In patients with DLB, a continued vigilance for extrapyramidal side effects, including NMS, would be advisable during the use of risperidone.