Which medication is commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotics?

Which medication is commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotics?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Sertraline
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Benztropine

Answer: (D)

Extrapyramidal symptoms from antipsychotics come from reduced dopamine activity in the brain’s motor pathways, which tips the balance toward acetylcholine. An anticholinergic medication is used to restore that balance, and benztropine is a classic and commonly used option for this purpose. By blocking muscarinic receptors, benztropine reduces the overactive cholinergic signaling that contributes to dystonia, parkinsonian symptoms, and akathisia, helping relieve these motor side effects. The other drugs listed don’t target this mechanism: haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can cause EPS, while sertraline and fluoxetine are antidepressants with no role in treating EPS. Keep in mind benztropine’s anticholinergic effects and use considerations, especially in older patients.

Extrapyramidal symptoms from antipsychotics come from reduced dopamine activity in the brain’s motor pathways, which tips the balance toward acetylcholine. An anticholinergic medication is used to restore that balance, and benztropine is a classic and commonly used option for this purpose. By blocking muscarinic receptors, benztropine reduces the overactive cholinergic signaling that contributes to dystonia, parkinsonian symptoms, and akathisia, helping relieve these motor side effects. The other drugs listed don’t target this mechanism: haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can cause EPS, while sertraline and fluoxetine are antidepressants with no role in treating EPS. Keep in mind benztropine’s anticholinergic effects and use considerations, especially in older patients.