neuroleptic-induced movement disorders
Last reviewed 01/2018
Neuroleptic drugs have "extra-pyramidal side-effects", that is, they induce movement disorders, including:
- akathisia:
- onset in 24-48 hr
- restless legs
- dysphoria
- dystonia:
- acute reactions occur within 24 hr
- chronic reactions occur over months or years
- characterised by unilateral increase in muscle tone with rotatory posturing
- ophisthotonus
- Parkinsonism:
- onset over weeks
- rigidity and akinesia
- tardive dyskinesia:
- onset over months or years
- choreo-athetoid mouth movements
- dyskinesia of head, trunk and limbs