Olanzapine-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with paranoid schizophrenia

A case of a male patient with schizophrenic illness who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) following treatment with olanzapine is reported. Although typical neuroleptics are more frequently associated with NMS, atypical antipsychotics may also cause NMS. Case reports have been published concerning NMS and clozapine, ¹ risperidone ² and olanzapine. ^3–6 This case report emphasizes the importance of being cautious when rapidly increasing doses of olanzapine are used in patients with psychiatric illnesses.