Table of Contents
What is extrapyramidal symptom?
The term “extrapyramidal effects” describes involuntary movements that you cannot control. These side effects are most common when taking antipsychotic medications? When you experience extrapyramidal effects, movements that were once voluntary happen without your control.
What are EPS side effects?
Abstract. Antipsychotic medications commonly produce extrapyramidal symptoms as side effects. The extrapyramidal symptoms include acute dyskinesias and dystonic reactions, tardive dyskinesia, Parkinsonism, akinesia, akathisia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
How long do EPS symptoms last?
In most cases, symptoms are reversible in days or weeks, but occasionally, especially in the elderly, or if long-acting injectable antipsychotics are used, symptoms may last for months. In about 15% of cases, parkinsonism may persist, raising the possibility of underlying Parkinson’s disease.
Are extrapyramidal symptoms an emergency?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) induced by pharmacologic agents can cause patient discomfort and lead to emergency department visits.
What medication is used to treat EPS?
Pharmacological treatments most commonly consist of anticholinergic and antihistaminergic medications. Benzodiazepines, beta-adrenergic antagonists (propranolol), beta-adrenergic agonists (clonidine), or dopamine agonists (amantadine) may also be used.
How do you treat EPS?
Management strategies include giving diphenhydramine for acute dystonia; stopping or reducing the dose of antipsychotic; switching to a second generation; using a lower risk second generation antipsychotic such as quetiapine.
What medication is used for EPS?
Management of EPS
| Type of Later EPS | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism | Stop or reduce the dosage of causative medication. Switch to an atypical antipsychotic. Anti-parkinson medications: Amantadine, Antimuscarinic agents, Dopamine agonists, Levodopa |
Which medication may be used to counteract extrapyramidal side effects?
Treatment recommendations for neuroleptic-induced acute dystonia:
- Administer diphenhydramine (LOE high) (12,13) or an anticholinergic (benztropine and biperiden) (LOE very low).
- If ongoing antipsychotic treatment is required, lower the dosage of medication.