Which class of drugs is known to cause extrapyramidal side effects?

Which class of drugs is known to cause extrapyramidal side effects?

• A. Antipsychotics
• B. Anticholinergics
• C. Anxiolytics
• D. Antidepressants

Answer: (A)

Antipsychotics are well-documented for their association with extrapyramidal side effects due to their action on the dopaminergic system in the brain. These drugs often block dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, which can lead to disturbances in motor control. Common extrapyramidal symptoms include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. The risk of these side effects is more pronounced with typical antipsychotics, though newer atypical antipsychotics can also cause them, albeit generally to a lesser extent. In contrast, anticholinergics primarily work as muscle relaxants or in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and are not typically associated with extrapyramidal side effects. Anxiolytics, used for the treatment of anxiety, primarily interact with the GABA system and do not induce extrapyramidal symptoms. Antidepressants target various neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and similarly do not commonly lead to the motor control issues associated with extrapyramidal effects. In summary, the characteristic side effects of extrapyramidal symptoms are most strongly linked to antipsychotic medications.

Antipsychotics are well-documented for their association with extrapyramidal side effects due to their action on the dopaminergic system in the brain. These drugs often block dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, which can lead to disturbances in motor control. Common extrapyramidal symptoms include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. The risk of these side effects is more pronounced with typical antipsychotics, though newer atypical antipsychotics can also cause them, albeit generally to a lesser extent.

In contrast, anticholinergics primarily work as muscle relaxants or in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and are not typically associated with extrapyramidal side effects. Anxiolytics, used for the treatment of anxiety, primarily interact with the GABA system and do not induce extrapyramidal symptoms. Antidepressants target various neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and similarly do not commonly lead to the motor control issues associated with extrapyramidal effects. In summary, the characteristic side effects of extrapyramidal symptoms are most strongly linked to antipsychotic medications.