What is a potential life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications?

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is recognized as a life-threatening side effect associated with antipsychotic medications. This condition is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, high fever, autonomic instability, altered mental status, and elevated creatine kinase levels. It can occur suddenly, often within the first two weeks of starting treatment or after dose increases, but it can also arise after prolonged use of antipsychotics.

NMS results from the disruption of dopamine pathways in the central nervous system caused by the blockade of dopamine receptors by antipsychotic medications. The rapid onset of symptoms and potential for significant complications, including renal failure and respiratory failure, makes NMS a critical concern requiring immediate medical intervention.

While other side effects like tardive dyskinesia, dysphoria, and acute dystonia can occur with the use of antipsychotics, they generally do not pose an immediate threat to life. Tardive dyskinesia is a long-term movement disorder resulting from chronic antipsychotic use, dysphoria is a mood-related symptom, and acute dystonia, although distressing and potentially requiring treatment, typically does not have the same level of acute danger as NMS. Thus, the life-threatening nature