Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) for the general practitioner with the most up-to-date information on etiology, workup, and management. DATA SOURCES: The search using PubMed included articles with the key words neuroleptic malignant syndrome, antipsychotics, neuroleptics, diagnosis, and treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome published in English from January 2000 to 2017. Single-case reports and articles dealing with the pediatric patient population were excluded. STUDY SELECTION: Over 4,000 articles met the search criteria. After eliminating single-case reports, pediatric cases, reports in pregnant patients, and duplicates, 87 articles underwent screening. Forty-two articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The literature is rich with cases of NMS associated with the use of neuroleptics and various medications with neuroleptic-like effects. Questions remain with regard to pathophysiology and optimal treatment. NMS is a rare but potentially lethal consequence of the use of antipsychotic medications that requires familiarity with the condition in order to rapidly recognize its onset and appropriately intervene. CONCLUSIONS: NMS mortality rates have declined over the past 30 years, most likely due to early recognition of the syndrome and appropriate intervention. Nonetheless, clinicians, especially primary care clinicians who are using this class of drugs more often for adjunctive treatments, must be cognizant of this syndrome and the implications of their use.​.

Methamphetamine and Viagra use: relationship to sexual risk behaviors.

Recent studies show that Viagra and methamphetamine use are associated with unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Long Beach, California, we have reported on an association between Viagra use and the use of amphetamines during sex. The current research investigated the use of both Viagra and amphetamine in men in Long Beach, California. Data on 1,839 men recruited into HIV prevention and testing programs were collected using the Risk Behavior Assessment. A generalized logit model was constructed comparing ever having used both amphetamine and Viagra together and separately, as compared to never having used either (referent). Men who used both methamphetamine and Viagra showed a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV compared to those who used only one or neither drug. Of the 1,794 complete cases, 11.1% (199/1794) had used both amphetamine and Viagra. Of 20 potential risk and protective factors for use of amphetamine and Viagra, 12 were significant predictors: ever used gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ever used cocaine, ever used ecstasy, being infected with HIV, race=White compared to other, ever having hepatitis B, ever using crack, ever given money to have sex, living in a hotel, ever been in drug treatment, and ever using heroin. The protective factor was being heterosexual. Viagra use was associated with insertive, and methamphetamine was associated with receptive, anal intercourse. GHB use appears to play a more important role than previously thought.