CNS drugs and antiepileptics mnemonic

Features of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

The mnemonic

FEVER

What each word stands for

  • FFever
  • EEncephalopathy
  • VVitals unstable
  • EEnzymes raised (creatine kinase)
  • RRigidity

Why it matters clinically

Recognises a drug emergency needing stopping the antipsychotic and giving dantrolene or bromocriptine.

Where it stops being reliable

Does not separate it from serotonin syndrome, where clonus and diarrhoea are prominent.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the CNS drugs and antiepileptics mnemonic?

FEVER. It helps you recall: Features of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

What does "F" stand for?

Fever

What does "E" stand for?

Enzymes raised (creatine kinase)

What does "V" stand for?

Vitals unstable

What are all the parts of the FEVER mnemonic?

F: Fever; E: Encephalopathy; V: Vitals unstable; E: Enzymes raised (creatine kinase); R: Rigidity.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to CNS drugs and antiepileptics in Pharmacology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Does not separate it from serotonin syndrome, where clonus and diarrhoea are prominent.

How is this useful clinically?

Recognises a drug emergency needing stopping the antipsychotic and giving dantrolene or bromocriptine.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Pharmacology question about CNS drugs and antiepileptics.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.