Extra pyramidal Side Effects
The following adverse effects can occur in hours to days:
Acute Dystonia– muscle Spasm, stiffness, Oculogyric crisis. The Treatment is done by Discontinuation of agent and Benztropine, Diphenhydramine are prescribed. Airway protection should be considered.
Days to Months
- Akathisia (restlessness) Treatment – Reduce the antipsychotic dose. Beta blockers, Benztropine, Benzodiazepine can be given to reduce these adverse effects.
- Parkinsonism (bradykinesia) Treatment- Reducing the dose, Switching to another antipsychotic with less potential to cause EPS. The drugs like Benztropine, Amantadine can be administered.
Months to years- Tardive Dyskinesia
- Chorea mainly orofacial – Rhythmic movement of face, lips and tongue
- Choreo athetoid movements of trunk and extremities.
- After prolonged use of antipsychotic more than six months and older women.
- Cannot be reversed, gets worse with treatment line screen for it and stop the medication once it starts.