Pharmacology Corner

Neurological side effects of antipsychotics: akathisia, dystonia and parkinsonism

This video summarizes acute neurological side effects of antipsychotics: akathisia, dystonia and parkinsonism.

1. Akathisia and Dystonia

  • A classification of neurological side effects
  • Akathisia ( Clinical features, a clinical video, medications that can cause akathisia and management)
  • Acute dystonia (Clinical features, pathophysiology, management)

2. Parkinsonism

  • Clinical features
  • Mechanism of EPS
  • Differences between antipsychotic induced parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease
  • Management of antipsychotic induced parkinsonism
  • Risk of EPS and D2 occupancy

References and further reading

  • Brunton LB, Lazo JS, Parker KL, eds. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2010.
  • Janicak, P G., S R. Marder, and M N. Pavuluri. Principles and Practice of Psychopharmacotherapy. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010.
  • Stahl, S M. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 3rd ed. New York: Cambrigde University Press; 2008