Extrapyramidal symptoms are commonly associated with which class of medications?

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of drug-induced movement disorders and are primarily associated with antipsychotic medications. These symptoms can include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia, among others. Antipsychotics, particularly the first-generation or typical antipsychotics, have a mechanism that involves dopamine receptor antagonism in the central nervous system. This blockade can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the extrapyramidal pathways, leading to the characteristic movement disorders seen with EPS.

While other classes of medications like narcotics, antidepressants, and stimulants can have various side effects, they are not primarily linked to causing extrapyramidal symptoms. Narcotics generally target pain relief and may cause sedation or dependency issues. Antidepressants have side effects that may include weight gain or sexual dysfunction, but they do not typically involve extrapyramidal symptoms related to dopamine pathways. Stimulants are used to treat conditions like ADHD and primarily enhance dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity, which may lead to other side effects but not the classic EPS seen with antipsychotics. Thus, the association of extrapyramidal symptoms with antipsychotic medications is clear and well-d