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Case Reports
. 2016 Jul-Sep;32(3):387-8.
doi: 10.4103/0970-9185.173346.

Carisoprodol withdrawal syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Diagnostic dilemma

Gunchan Paul  1 , Gautam L Parshotam  1 , Rajneesh Garg  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Carisoprodol withdrawal syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Diagnostic dilemma

Gunchan Paul et al. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Soma (Carisoprodol) is N-isopropyl-2 methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate; a commonly prescribed, centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of antipsychotic agents. Although diagnostic criteria for NMS have been established, it should be recognized that atypical presentations occur and more flexible diagnostic criteria than currently mandated, may be warranted. We wish to report a postoperative case of bilateral knee replacement who presented with carisoprodol (Soma) withdrawal resembling NMS that was a diagnostic dilemma. Subsequently, it was successfully treated with oral baclofen in absence of sodium dantrolene.

Keywords: Carisoprodol; carisoprodol abuse; carisoprodol withdrawal; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; soma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

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