What Are the Treatments for EPS Beta Blockers?

The extrapyramidal system, or EPS, is part of the central nervous system involved in movement coordination. Many patients taking older types of anti-psychotic medications develop motor symptoms because of effects on the EPS. Taking beta blockers can help treat some of these symptoms.

The Problem

• Anti-psychotic medications, also called neuroleptics, are prescribed for severe mental illness conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some can cause side effects of repetitive, involuntary and purposeless body or facial movements.

Function

• Beta blockers were originally created for treating high blood pressure and heart conditions. They are also helpful for preventing migraines, treating glaucoma and reducing performance anxiety.

Akathisia

• Anti-psychotic drugs can induce a condition known as akathisia. This disorder involves an inability to sit or stand still. Symptoms can be severe, with constant pacing or repeated foot-stomping. Unfortunately, the symptoms are sometimes diagnosed as a worsening of the psychosis, leading medical personnel to increase dosage of the anti-psychotic medicine, according to Geriatric Consultant Resources.

Solution

• Beta blockers mainly help treat akathisia through their actions on the adrenergic system. Anti-psychotic medications cause overactivity in this system, releasing excessive adrenaline. Beta blockers stop this overactivity. These medications also slow the heart rate and help keep it normal, perhaps the most beneficial effect for symptoms linked to anxiety.

Types

• Propranolol is the beta blocker usually prescribed for akathisia caused by neuroleptic medication. Patients take 10 to 30 mg three times per day, increasing to a maximum of 120 mg per day if necessary. Other beta blocker options include atenolol, metoprolol and nadolol.