NMS, TD, and EPS Flashcards
Rare but very serious reaction to antipsychotic meds
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Key symptoms for which condition?
Very high fever (over 103F)
Severe muscle stiffness
Mental status changes (confusion, agitation)
Heavy sweating
Unstable blood pressure and heart rate
NMS
Think of this condition like this:
Your body’s thermostat and muscle control system going haywire all at once. It’s similar to having a very severe fever combined with muscles that won’t relax.
NMS
Why is NMS dangerous?
Can develop within hours or days of starting or changing medication, can lead to kidney failure, can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, requires immediate hospitalization
What is important for patients to know about NMS?
Usually happens within 2 weeks of starting an antipsychotic
Anyone taking antipsychotics should know the warning signs
Early recognition and stopping the med is crucial
Usually resolves within 1-2 weeks of stopping the medication and getting treatment
Serious side effect that can happen from taking certain psychiatric meds (especially older antipsychotics) for a long time
Tardive dyskinesia (TD)
What are the main symptoms of TD?
Random, uncontrollable jerky movements
Most commonly affects face and mouth (tongue poking out, lip smacking, grimacing, chewing movements)
Can affect other body parts (rocking of the trunk, foot tapping, hip movements, finger movements)
Which condition can start months or years after starting the medication; can become permanent even after stopping the med; older people and women are at higher risk; it can be very distressing and socially uncomfortable; newer antipsychotics have a lower risk of causing this condition
TD
Think of this condition like your body’s movement control system developing a glitch that makes certain parts move on their own, without your permission. It’s different from tremors or shaking–these are more like random, dance-like movements that you can’t stop
TD
Movement related side effects from certain medications
EPS
What term describes uncontrolled muscle movements, Parkinson’s-like symptoms, and Tardive Dyskinesisa?
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
What are the uncontrolled muscle movements associated with EPS?
Tremors
Muscle spasms (esp. neck and face)
Restless legs
Inability to sit still
What are the Parkinson’s-like symptoms associated with EPS?
stiff and rigid muscles
Slow movements
Shuffling walk
Drooling
Think of this set of symptoms as your body’s movement system like a car–these medications can cause the “brakes” and “gas pedal” of your movement control to work incorrectly, leading to either too much or too little movement.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
