Final answer:
To decrease extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), medications such as anticholinergics and benzodiazepines are used. Dopamine agonists can also alleviate EPS by stimulating dopamine receptors. Atypical antipsychotics have a lower risk of EPS and adjusting medication regimens may help.
Step-by-step explanation:
To manage extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) which can occur as part of the side effects of antipsychotic medication, a specific class of medications called anticholinergics can be prescribed. These anticholinergic drugs work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system, which in turn helps decrease the unwanted motor side effects associated with antipsychotics. Common anticholinergic medications used for this purpose include benztropine and trihexyphenidyl. Additionally, benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and beta-blockers might be used temporarily to alleviate acute EPS.
Another class of medication that can minimize EPS are dopamine agonists, which work by directly stimulating dopamine receptors and can be effective against EPS caused by decreased dopamine activity due to antipsychotic medication. It is important that these treatments are supervised by a healthcare provider, as they can also have side effects and interactions.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that certain classes of antipsychotics, particularly the atypical or second-generation antipsychotics such as quetiapine and clozapine, are associated with a lower risk of EPS compared to older, typical antipsychotics. Treating underlying conditions with mood stabilizers or altering medication regimes to include such atypical antipsychotics may also contribute to decreasing EPS.