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Explain Extrapyramidal Side Effects

Neuroleptic medications can cause extrapyramidal side effects. The neuroleptic medication clozapine carries the lowest risk of these reactions but the U.S. and Europe do not prescribe it for long term use because of other, non-extrapyramidal side effects.

  1. Neuroleptics

    • The medicinal class of neuroleptics treat psychosis commonly caused by schizophrenia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, neuroleptic medications include Geodon, Haldol, and Risperdal.

    Extrapyramidal Side Effects

    • According to the column Emergency Psychiatry: Extrapyramidal Side Effects in the Psychiatric Emergency Service, common side effects include prolonged muscle spasms called dystonias.Parkinsonism gets its name because the tremors and body rigidity resemble symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Severe restlessness and rocking signal the effect akathisia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a severe extrapyramidal side effect, can cause intense rigidity, fever, and death.

    Cause

    • Scientists don't know the exact cause of the side effects. Theories suggest the problems stem from the neuroleptic medication's inability to selectively bind to dopamine receptors in the brain.

    Increased Risk

    • Extrapyramidal side effects occur more often in males than females. Higher dose medications and intramuscular injection also increase risk of side effects.

    Treatment

    • The doctor will cease the medication causing the effects. He may prescribe other classes of medication to treat effect symptoms. Neuroleptic dosage will then resume with a lower risk medication.

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