What is a common medication used to treat Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?

In the context of treating Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), dantrolene is commonly used because it acts as a muscle relaxant that directly decreases muscle rigidity and hypermetabolic symptoms associated with NMS. It works by interfering with calcium release from skeletal muscle, which is crucial in alleviating the severe muscle stiffness and elevated temperature that are hallmark features of this syndrome.

Bromocriptine, while it can also be used in the treatment of NMS, is primarily a dopamine agonist that attempts to restore dopaminergic activity that may be disrupted due to antipsychotic medications. On the other hand, clonazepam and amitriptyline do not specifically target the physiological imbalances caused by NMS and are not first-line treatments for this condition. Clonazepam is primarily an anxiolytic and sedative, and amitriptyline is used as an antidepressant. Hence, while other medications may play a role in various treatments, dantrolene is most directly effective in managing the symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.