Side Effects Of Antipyramidal

Side Effects of Antipyramidal

Dec 16, 2009 | By Contributing Writer

Antipyramidal, or extrapyramidal, side effects (EPS) are caused by medications commonly used to treat schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, nausea/vomiting and alcohol withdrawal. The oldest anti-psychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), thioridazine (Mellaril) and perphenazine (Trilafon) in particular, cause more EPS than newer drugs used to treat the same diseases. Typical extrapyramidal side effects include movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia, dystonias and Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, especially tremors and rigidity.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is characterized by uncontrollable, rhythmic movements involving the face, upper body and arms. Commonly, it manifests as lip smacking, tongue movements and chewing motions of the jaw. This is a potentially permanent side effect of long-term treatment with these medications and should be addressed immediately by your health care professional. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in 2009, up to 5 percent of patients on these medications develop TD per year.

Focal Dystonia

Dystonias are sudden, long-lasting muscle spasms that occur particularly in the face, upper body and arms. Commonly, these involve the eyelid or the neck, causing blurry vision or abnormal posturing of the head. This side effect is usually not life-threatening and is often treated by changing medications or adding new medications. Call your doctor, but do not stop taking your medication if this occurs.

Tremor/Rigidity

Anti-psychotic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. These dopamine receptors are responsible for initiating and producing coordinated, smooth movements all over the body. Therefore, blocking these receptors can lead to increased muscle tone or involuntary shaking after movement. This side effect is usually not life-threatening and is often treated by changing medications or by adding new medications. Call your doctor, but do not stop taking your medication if this occurs.