Extrapyramidal Side Effects:
Are the motor and neurologic symptoms that occur in the context of antipsychotic use. Tend to occur more often with FGA's but can and do occur with SGA's.
•Do not co-prescribe drugs in efforts to prevent EPS. Associated w/ high anticholinergic side effects
•Caution w/ Elderly patients.
•If necessary, anticholinergics should be prescribed at the lowest dose possible.
•Antipsychotics must occupy more than 80% of D2 receptors to cause EPS
There are 4 main types of EPS...
Mnemonic:
a) Akathisia, Dystonia, Pseudoparkinsonism, Tardive dyskinesia
b) Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Schizophrenia
c) Dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea, Headache
d) Amnesia, Delirium, Hallucination, Seizure