Extrapyramidal disturbances caused by inappropriate prescribing

Abstract

Despite the long known extrapyramidal side effects of even the weak dopamine receptor blocking agents 1 2 such drugs are frequently prescribed inappropriately. 3 Acute dystonic reactions, drug induced parkinsonism, and akathisia usually resolve quickly when the offending drug is withdrawn. The tardive dyskinesias, however, including orofacial dyskinesia, may take years to resolve and some may be permanent. 4 There is no effective symptomatic treatment for these. Medicolegal action in which the original reason for the prescription is questioned is remarkably rare in Britain. We wish to emphasise the distress caused to patients by frequent abuse of this class of drug. © 1987, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.