NMS-EPS-Serotonin Synd

Definition: A serious reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by the following symptoms.
Symptoms:
- Fever: High body temperature as a significant symptom.
- Encephalopathy: This leads to confusion or altered mental status.
- Vitals Unstable: Fluctuations in physiological measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, etc.

Definition: A potentially life-threatening condition due to increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
Symptoms:
- Fever: Elevated temperature as a key feature.
- Rigidity: Specifically described as "lead-pipe" rigidity, a form of muscular rigidity.
- Agitation: Increased mental and emotional activity leading to restlessness.
- Hyperreflexia/Clonus: These include exaggerated reflexes and rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles leading to tremors.

Haloperidol: An antipsychotic that can trigger NMS.
Chlorpromazine: Another antipsychotic linked to the aforementioned symptoms.
Sertraline: An antidepressant associated with serotonin syndrome.
Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant that can also lead to serotonin syndrome.

Dystonia: Sustained muscle contractions, leading to abnormal movements and postures.
Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions occurring frequently in this condition.
Akathisia: A state of restlessness and an urgent need for movement, which can be distressing.
Parkinsonism: Symptoms mimic Parkinson's disease and include:
- Tremor: Involuntary shaking, often at rest.
- Shuffling Gait: Characterized by a dragging walk that is typical in Parkinsonism.
Connection to Antipsychotics: The symptoms of EPS and NMS are often exacerbated by the use of antipsychotic medications, indicating the need for careful monitoring and management of these patients.