Medications known as neuroleptics can produce extrapyramidal system side effects that are severe, permanent and occasionally fatal. These drugs suppress the transmission of dopamine and are often used to treat psychosis, especially schizophrenia, and various neuroses, epilepsy, migraine headaches, severe vomiting or spasms. The risk of extrapyramidal system side effects increases with the amount of time the drugs are taken and the strength of the dosage administered. The extrapyramidal system, also known as the EPS, is a part of the nervous system that helps to control voluntary movements.
Acute Dystonia
Acute dystonia is a muscular contraction that frequently occurs in the head area. It may affect the eyes, pharynx, larynx, neck or mouth. It can also strike the back muscles.The contraction is usually painful and can be life-threatening in the throat area.
Hypokinesia
When the patient suffers from hypokinesia, he seems to have reduced muscular movements. His face seems expressionless and his gait may be short. This can lead to no voluntary movement at all, a condition known as akinesia.
Akathisia
The person with akathisia feels as though they cannot sit still. A feeling of restlessness occurs in the legs and the patient may become agitated.
Tremors
Tremors are an EPS side effect that causes quivering movements of the arms, hands and other areas. These tremors can lead to a seizure.
Dyskinesia
Dsykinesia is a common side effect of the long term use of some neuroleptic medications. It is manifested by involuntary movements of the mouth and face. The tongue may roll and stick ou, and the head, arms, hands, fingers, or legs may jerk or move without purpose. The patient may appear to be chewing uncontrollably. Tardive dyskinesia occurs when dyskinesia becomes permanent.
Paraesthesias
A paraesthesia is a feeling of numbness, tingling, or prickliness anywhere on the skin. This can lead to a seizure.
Rigidity
Rigidity occurs when a patient's limbs feel rigid and cannot bend or easily move back and forth.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, often fatal side effect of neuroleptic medications. The sufferer will display several of the following: a fever above 100.4 degrees F, muscular rigidity, tremors, rapid breathing, sweating and confusion. Later changes may include coma and seizures. Unlike the other EPS symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is likely to occur during the first weeks of taking a neuroleptic drug.
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