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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of extrapyramidal effects?
Which of the following is a symptom of Parkinsonism, a type of extrapyramidal effect?
Which medication class is commonly associated with serotonin syndrome?
What is a severe consequence of serotonin syndrome?
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Which extrapyramidal effect is characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements?
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What is a common symptom of serotonin syndrome?
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Which of the following medications can cause extrapyramidal effects?
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What is the term for a state of restlessness and an urgent need to move?
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Study Notes
Extrapyramidal Effects
- Drug-induced movement disorders that include a range of symptoms
- Caused by blockade of dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly in areas involved in motor control
- Associated with antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) and some second-generation antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone)
- Symptoms include:
- Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements
- Akathisia: A state of restlessness and an urgent need to move
- Parkinsonism: Symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity
- Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive body movements, often involving the face and tongue
Serotonin Syndrome
- Potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system
- Caused by medications that increase serotonin levels, taken in combination or in high doses
- Common culprits include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Certain pain medications, such as tramadol
- Recreational drugs like MDMA (ecstasy)
- Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:
- Cognitive effects: Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
- Autonomic effects: Hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, sweating
- Neuromuscular effects: Tremor, clonus, hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity
- Severe cases can lead to seizures, high fever, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness
Key Differences
- Cause: Dopamine receptor blockade for extrapyramidal effects vs. excessive serotonin activity for serotonin syndrome
- Symptoms: Movement disorders for extrapyramidal effects vs. cognitive, autonomic, and neuromuscular symptoms for serotonin syndrome
- Medications: Antipsychotics for extrapyramidal effects vs. serotonergic agents for serotonin syndrome
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Description
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and differences between extrapyramidal effects and serotonin syndrome, two potential side effects of certain medications.
