# Olanzapine-Induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Case Report

**Authors:** Motaz Almahmood, Amin Saied, Isra Eltazi, Bara M Al-Qudah, Abdulaziz Alalawi, Mohamed Zuhail K Peediyakkal, Abdulqadir J Nashwan

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.95327 · Cureus · 2025-10-24

## TL;DR

A 69-year-old man developed diabetic ketoacidosis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome after taking olanzapine, highlighting a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotics.

## Contribution

This case report documents the rare co-occurrence of olanzapine-induced DKA and NMS in a non-diabetic patient.

## Key findings

- The patient showed significant improvement after discontinuing olanzapine and receiving supportive care.
- DKA resolved within 24 hours, and NMS symptoms improved within a week.
- This case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment in antipsychotic-exposed patients.

## Abstract

With the growing use of second-generation antipsychotics, it is important to consider rare but serious side effects. One such complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), representing a severe form of metabolic derangement. Moreover, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal idiosyncratic reaction linked to this category of medications. We report the case of a 69-year-old male, not diabetic, who developed both DKA and NMS, with olanzapine identified as a probable culprit. He was on a steady dose of olanzapine for three months. He had significant biochemical and clinical improvement following prompt discontinuation of medication and supportive care. DKA improved within 24 hours, and NMS improved within one week. To our knowledge, this remains a very rarely reported occurrence of olanzapine-induced coexisting DKA and NMS. Early detection and treatment of such cases, particularly in patients exposed to antipsychotics, is crucial.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** olanzapine (PubChem CID 135398745)
- **Diseases:** diabetic ketoacidosis (MONDO:0012819), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (MONDO:0019790)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** DKA (MESH:D016883), metabolic derangement (MESH:D008659), diabetic (MESH:D003920), NMS (MESH:D009459)
- **Chemicals:** Olanzapine (MESH:D000077152)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12640650/full.md

## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12640650/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12640650