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Joe's Story And NMS; Parting Shot When reading Judith's story of her friend Joe's tragic end a few months ago, I thought uh-oh!!! Sounds like neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) to me! Although it should be better known, NMS is so seldom encountered that it might not be recognized as a dire emergency. And all the recent comments from listmembers overlook some VERY IMPORTANT points: First, NMS due to abrupt withdrawal is NOT, repeat NOT restricted to antipsychotic drugs, but may be due to withdrawal of other drugs, including antiparkinson drugs such as tolcapone (Tasmar) and amantadine (Symmetrel). Possible NMS is discussed in the WARNINGS or PRECAUTIONS section of the Product Description for both those drugs in the good old, fat old, boring old, Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), with a particularly cogent description in the entry for amantadine. Notwithstanding all the fascinating news about breakthroughs in research, don't forget the basics! If you're taking ANY prescription drug that isn't totally familiar, get hold of the Product Description from the PDR or your pharmacist (don't be put off with the bland "Patient Information" leaflet) and READ IT!!!! Might Joe's death have been averted? I'm no doctor, and I wasn't even there- don't ask me! Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013