© Priory Lodge Education Limited, 1996.
Version 1.0
Conclusions
Although anticholinergic drugs are indicated for the treatment of neuroleptic-induced EPS, it is important to balance its benefits and drawbacks. Anticholinergic drugs can have side effects of their own and have a potential for abuse which are important considerations while initiating treatment. Special precaution is warranted because of its side effect profile in `at risk’ patient groups, e.g. those with prostatic hypertrophy, narrow angle glaucoma and the elderly.
The dose and length of treatment in a particular patient should depend on potential drug-induced adverse effects, potential for misuse and abuse, possibility of drug interaction with use of other concomitant medication and other factors e.g. risk of tardive dyskinesia, and associated medical or surgical conditions. In all cases it is important to balance the benefits and limitations of anticholinergic drugs and this should be done on a periodic basis.