The extrapyramidal motor system is a neural network located in the brain that is involved in the coordination of movement. Extrapyramidal symptoms therefore are symptoms that manifest themselves in various movement disorders.
Extrapyramidal symptoms, often known as EPS is a neurological side effect of antipsychotic medication, also known as major tranquilizers. Antipsychotics are used to control psychoses such as schizophrenia but can also be used to treat behavioral disturbances associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Antipsychotic medications include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Melleril) and haloperidol (Haldol).
Extrapyramidal symptoms can begin within a few hours, days or weeks or even years after commencing treatment with an antipsychotic medication.
Extrapyramidal symptoms are most common with the older conventional antipsychotics medications such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Melleril), haloperidol (Haldol). Extrapyramidal symptoms are less common in people taking the newer atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
Symptoms of Extrapyramidal side effects
Common signs and symptoms include
Symptoms can be very distressing and frightening.
Treatment of Extrapyramidal symptoms
The first option in the treatment extrapyramidal symptoms that are the result of antipsychotic medication consists of lowering the dose of the causative agent and then using an alternative medication.
Your doctor then has the option after evaluation of treating the specific symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects with other medications (these agents can also produce their own side effects). Medication types include anticholinergic agents, a dopaminergic agent, a benzodiazepine (like valium), or a beta-blocker.
