Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:1097-1100
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychotropic drugs, summer heat and humidity, and hyperpyrexia: a danger restated
SC Mann and WP Boger
The authors note an apparent unawareness of, as well as a paucity of recent
literature pertaining to, hyperpyrexia as a complication of psychotropic
drug treatment. They report a case of hyperpyrexia in a patient receiving
psychotropic agents during a summer heat wave; massive muscle destruction
(rhabdomyolysis) with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure make this case
of particular interest. Causative mechanisms, preventive measures, and the
benefits of prompt recognition and treatment of this condition are
discussed.
