How "malignant" is the neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Drug points: High fever induced by sulphasalazine

“…A mild fever often occurs in patients taking sulphasalazine,1 usually as part of a hypersensitivity reaction, with a rash and eosinophilia that resolve on withdrawal. Our patient's reaction was severe and more in keeping with the course of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome 5. The manufacturers have confirmed five other cases of severe fever in association with sulphasalazine treatment from a global database.…”

Rigidity, hyperthermia, and altered mental status

“…The mortality rate in NMS appears to be dropping to about 10%–20% from around 40% 7. Most patients with NMS should be transferred to an intensive care unit 1…”

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: May be caused by other drugs..

“…EDITOR, - M F Bristow and D Kohen state that the neuroleptic malignant syndrome may occur in response to the sudden cessation of dopamine agonists as well as in patients treated with neuroleptic drugs 1. But the syndrome has also been reported after the administration of non-neuroleptic drugs, including lithium, metoclopramide, carbamazepine, antidepressants (including dothiepin and amoxapine), tetrabenazine, and metirosine.…”