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> I've only seen it twice in fifteen years as a > Psych-Mental nurse, but here goes. The patient starts > running a high fever, becomes delirious (which is > difficult to distinguish from psychosis),becomes very > rigid, and appears very ill, with elevated vital > signs, etc. It is somewhat rare and very complicated. > Best description of NMS I've come across is the > University of Iowa's VIRTUAL HOSPITAL'S "Clinical > Pharmacology Seminar 1996-1997", which is extremely > informative: Another (rare) complication of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is when the myoglobin in the muscles (which are in severe spasm) breaks down and gets out into the bloodstream. It turns the urine red (looks like blood but isn't) and eventually can clog the kidney tubules causing kidney failure. In such cases, dialysis may be necessary. Neuroleptics are dangerous drugs. They have some uses in severe psychosis, but not in other conditions. The "newer" ones like Risperidal are reputed to have fewer side-effects, but I don't believe it, having seen some pretty bad reactions from such drugs, especially in older people. Best, Bob ********************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S., P. C. 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 Telephone: 510-849-2555 FAX: 510-849-2557 WWW: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" *********************************************