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Antipsychotic medication: Causes orthostasis and cataracts?

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Final answer:

Antipsychotic medications can cause side effects such as orthostasis and cataracts. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, can affect motor control by impacting the extrapyramidal system due to its antagonistic action on dopamine D2 receptors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are used to treat various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications indeed have side effects, including orthostasis (a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down) and the potential to cause cataracts. Orthostasis is associated with the blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors by some antipsychotics, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Cataracts can be a side effect, particularly of first-generation antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, due to deposits forming in the lens of the eye.

Regarding the motor control issues, haloperidol, which is a high-potency first-generation antipsychotic, can cause side effects focused on regions of the nervous system related to motor control. These include the extrapyramidal system, which may result in symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. Haloperidol is a dopamine antagonist, specifically blocking D2 receptors, which can lead to these motor side effects by affecting dopaminergic pathways in the brain.

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