Some medications can affect this system’s function, leading to a variety of extrapyramidal side effects or symptoms.
Here are several to watch for.
Akathisia
Akathisia is a feeling of restlessness that makes it hard to sit down or hold still.
Photodisc / Getty Images
Akathisia symptomsgenerally involve movements that occur below the hips.
This can include pacing, marching in place, rocking while standing, and crossing and uncrossing your legs.
Dystonia
With dystonia, muscles involuntarily contract and contort.
Between 1.4% and 15.3% of individuals taking second-generation antipsychotics experience this extrapyramidal symptom.
They include being younger, being male, experiencing dystonia in the past, and recentcocaine use.
Dystonia can be treated with medications, including drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Lowering the dose of the antipsychotic medication may also be helpful.
Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism involves havingParkinson’s disease symptomsbut is due to medications and not the disease.
Drug-induced parkinsonism symptoms can include tremors, rigid muscles, slow movement and speed, and postural reflex impairment.
These extrapyramidal symptoms often appear gradually after starting a medication and may be worse when taking a higher dose.
Additionally, these symptoms are more common in women and the risk of experiencing them increases with age.
It leads to symptoms such as muscle stiffness and high fever.
Recap
Extrapyramidal effects impact coordination and motor control.
Some of these effects include akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
They may also use a scale to help evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and their severity.
Extrapyramidal effects are the result of this dopamine blockage or depletion in the basal ganglia.
Dopamine is known for its role in mood and addiction.
Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotics and more likely to have extrapyramidal side effects.
They include:
Extrapyramidal side effects are sparked by the dopamine-blocking actions of antipsychotic medications.
Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, most commonly produce these effects.
So are anti-parkinsonism drugs called anticholinergics, which increase dopamine.
Alternative medications include atypical antipsychotics.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychoticsare a newer second-generation of antipsychotics.
Other Antipsychotic Side Effects
Antipsychotic medications can produce other side effects as well.
If they don’t or they get worse, talk about your options with your care provider.
Antipsychotics can also produce a range of other side effects beyond extrapyramidal side effects.
Should You Discontinue Your Medication?
If you experience extrapyramidal symptoms, you might wonder if you should stop taking your medication.
Start by talking with a physician.
They may lower your dose or switch you to another medication.
You may choose to live and cope with some side effects rather than lose the benefits of the medication.
This decision should only be made after talking with your care provider.
Never stop taking your medication or reduce your dosage on your own.
Discontinuing your medication may cause symptoms of your condition to return or worsen.
Summary
Discontinuing medication without consulting your healthcare provider can lead to complications and side effects.
If you are experiencing any troubling side effects, talk with them to discuss the next steps.
They can recommend options to treat and reduce extrapyramidal symptoms.
If your extrapyramidal symptoms are severe, your provider can find another treatment option that may work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical antipsychotics are the most frequent cause of drug-induced extrapyramidal side effects.
However, these side effects can occur with any pop in of antipsychotic.
Some other types of medications can also cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including antidepressant drugs and lithium.
EPS stands for extrapyramidal symptoms, which are also referred to as drug-induced movement disorders.
Always ask your healthcare provider for help managing extrapyramidal symptoms.
They may recommend a lower dose or a different medication to help minimize these side effects.
They may also prescribe medications to help you cope, such as benzodiazepines and anticholinergics.
Never alter your dose or stop taking a medication without talking to your physician.
University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.Drug-induced dystonic-key in extrapyramidal reactions.
2017;234:2563-2570. doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4646-1
Cleveland Clinic.Akathisia.
2017;88(16 Supplement).
2017;81(1):52-66. doi:10.1016/j.biophsych.2016.05.021
National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
Mental Health America.Atypical antipsychotics.
