Extrapyramidal Symptoms and Novel Antipsychotic Drugs

One of the challenges of antipsychotic medication is the occurrence of Extrapyramidal Symptoms. These cannot be easily eliminated considering the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the established mechanism of action of classical antipsychotics. The antipsychotics help improve symptoms of schizophrenia by binding to dopamine receptors in the central nervous system and blocking dopamine. This prevents the basal ganglia from getting enough dopamine. Many drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders such as the neuroleptics and antidepressants adversely affect extrapyramidal system function, resulting in symptoms such as tremors and muscle rigidity collectively known as extrapyramidal symptoms. Treatment generally involves lowering the dose or trying a different antipsychotic but drugs may also be used specifically to treat symptoms. This review examines the attempt to eliminate extrapyramidal symptoms by generations of antipsychotic medications and their comparative efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia. A wide internet search was carried out using keywords and phrases that include; Antipsychotics, Typical Antipsychotics, Atypical Antipsychotics, Dopaminergic, Extrapyramidal symptoms, comparative efficacy of Antipsychotics and Adverse Effect of Antipsychotics. This will further reinforce knowledge and prescription patterns for antipsychotic medications.