Reintroduction of Clozapine following Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Young Patient with Resistant Schizophrenia

Abstract

The incidence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome justifies the immediate discontinuation of the drug in question and the reinstitution of therapy with another drug. In the case of resistant schizophrenia treated with clozapine, there are insufficient therapeutic options. We report the case of a young patient followed up for resistant schizophrenia who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome after 5 years of therapy with clozapine. Clozapine therapy was successfully reinitiated, and the dosage was increased to 300 mg/day over 62 days. In light of this clinical case and a review of the literature, we report the possibility of reintroducing clozapine following an incidence of malignant syndrome in patients with resistant schizophrenia with respect to certain rules; in particular, a slow increase in dose after a reasonable period of time and close monitoring.