Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Syndromes: Implications for Contemporary Practice

Abstract

The development of drugs to treat psychosis is a fascinating nexus for understanding mechanisms underlying disorders of mind and movement. Although the risk of drug-induced extrapyramidal syndromes has been mitigated by the acceptance of less potent dopamine antagonists, expansive marketing and off-label use has increased the number of susceptible people who may be at risk for these neurologic effects. Clinicians need to be familiar with advances in diagnosis and management, which are reviewed herein. A better understanding of drug-induced effects on the motor circuit may improve patient safety, enhance antipsychotic effectiveness, and provide insights into mechanisms underlying antipsychotic activity in parallel brain circuits.

Keywords: Akathisia; Antipsychotic drugs; Catatonia; Dystonia; Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; Parkinsonism; Schizophrenia; Tardive dyskinesia.