Catastrophic consequences secondary to psychotropic drugs, Part 1.

The use of psychotropic drugs has dramatically changed the lives of many; yet as often occurs with technological advances, negative outcomes can be encountered. Potentially fatal reactions to neuroleptic drugs and serotonin-enhancing agents (e.g., antidepressants) have been presented in Part 1, with the intent of alerting and informing psychiatric nurses. Part 2 will complete this series on catastrophic consequences of psychotropic drugs with a discussion of agranulocytosis and lithium toxicity.