Symptoms Of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Abnormal Or Fast Heartbeat

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome causes an abnormal or fast heartbeat because it leads to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. Because of these changes in the autonomic nervous system, patients may also experience rapid breathing, blood pressure changes, and even incontinence. Once symptoms arise, they can progress very rapidly, and they can reach their peak in as few as three days. Because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a real, life-threatening concern, if patients have recently started taking an antipsychotic and begin to experience abnormalities or increases in their heart rate, this may be a sign of autonomic dysfunction and they may want to schedule a visit with their primary care physician or psychiatrist, or perhaps seek emergency care, for a more in-depth investigation and evaluation.

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Increased Saliva Production

Also because of neuroleptic malignant syndrome's effects on the autonomic nervous system, increased saliva production can be another symptom. This increased saliva production can take the form of feeling the need to swallow more often, spit more often, or drooling, particularly if the body is producing so much additional saliva individuals cannot compensate for it by swallowing. If patients have recently started taking an antipsychotic and have noticed an increase in saliva production, it may be worthwhile to seek medical attention from a doctor or psychiatrist to ensure the two are not related.

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