Psychotropic drugs, summer heat and humidity, and hyperpyrexia: a danger restated

Abstract

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.