© Priory Lodge Education Limited, 1996.
Version 1.0

Summary

Background: Anticholinergic drugs are used for the treatment of neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms but its use is associated with some disadvantages.

Method: Publications on anticholinergic drug treatment for extrapyramidal symptoms were identified using Medline search and cross reference search was carried out for relevant articles on this topic.

Results: Literature suggests that although anticholinergic drugs are useful to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, its side effects, potential for abuse, increased risk for tardive dyskinesia and interactions with other concommitent drug treatment warrant careful consideration.

Conclusions: It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of anticholinergic drug treatment for neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, and that it should be done on a regular basis.