Which medication is most commonly associated with extrapyramidal side effects (EPS)?

Which medication is most commonly associated with extrapyramidal side effects (EPS)?

• A. Risperidone
• B. Seroquel
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Aripiprazole

Answer: (C)

Haloperidol is the medication most commonly associated with extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) due to its classification as a typical antipsychotic. Typical antipsychotics primarily work by blocking dopamine D2 receptors, which can lead to an imbalance in dopaminergic pathways in the brain, particularly in regions that control movement. This disruption can result in various motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and akathisia, which are characteristic of EPS. In contrast, atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone, Seroquel, and Aripiprazole tend to have a lower incidence of EPS because they have a more balanced mechanism of action. They not only act on dopamine receptors but also on other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. This broader action helps mitigate the risk of movement disorders associated with dopamine blockade. However, it is important to note that while some atypical antipsychotics can still cause EPS, they do so at a significantly reduced rate compared to typical antipsychotics like Haloperidol.

Haloperidol is the medication most commonly associated with extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) due to its classification as a typical antipsychotic. Typical antipsychotics primarily work by blocking dopamine D2 receptors, which can lead to an imbalance in dopaminergic pathways in the brain, particularly in regions that control movement. This disruption can result in various motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and akathisia, which are characteristic of EPS.

In contrast, atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone, Seroquel, and Aripiprazole tend to have a lower incidence of EPS because they have a more balanced mechanism of action. They not only act on dopamine receptors but also on other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. This broader action helps mitigate the risk of movement disorders associated with dopamine blockade. However, it is important to note that while some atypical antipsychotics can still cause EPS, they do so at a significantly reduced rate compared to typical antipsychotics like Haloperidol.