Extrapyramidal disorder caused by neuroleptic drugs
Extrapyramidal Disorder: A Side Effect of Neuroleptic Drugs
Neuroleptic drugs, also known as antipsychotic medications, are commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These medications are generally effective in treating the symptoms of these disorders, but they can also have serious side effects, including extrapyramidal disorder.
Extrapyramidal disorder (EPD) is a condition caused by taking neuroleptic drugs. It is characterized by involuntary muscle movements and other motor control problems, which can be debilitating and significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. Some of the most common symptoms of EPD include:
- Tremor or shaking
- Akathisia, or restlessness
- Dystonia, or abnormal posture and tone of the body
- Rigidity or muscle stiffness
- Parkinson-like symptoms, such as poor balance, slow movements, and shuffling gait
In severe cases, extrapyramidal disorder can cause debilitating symptoms and severely impair a person’s ability to work or participate in everyday activities. While anyone taking neuroleptic drugs is at risk of developing EPD, certain groups of people may be more susceptible than others. These include elderly individuals, young children, and people with a history of substance abuse.
Treatment for extrapyramidal disorder generally involves reducing or changing the dosage of the neuroleptic drug, or replacing it with a different medication. There are also other medications that can be used to reduce the side effects of antipsychotic medications, such as benzodiazepines and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In some cases, physical therapy may also be beneficial.
If you or a loved one is taking a neuroleptic drug and experiencing symptoms of extrapyramidal disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action to help reduce or eliminate the symptoms.