Serotonin syndrome Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Trigger drug Drug with serotonergic effect Drug with dopaminergic effect, often antipsychotics
Onset Onset usually within 24 hours Onset over days to weeks
Remission of symptoms Rapid remission following discontinuation of the trigger drug Gradual remission following discontinuation of the trigger drug
Neurological symptoms
Neuromuscular hyperactivity: Tremor, clonus, hyperreflexia
Neuromuscular hypoactivity: Extrapyramidal symptoms; hypokinesia and lead tube rigidity