Which side effect is associated with first-generation antipsychotics?

Which side effect is associated with first-generation antipsychotics?

• A. Tardive Dyskinesia
• B. Weight gain minimal
• C. No EPS risk
• D. Only affects mood

Answer: (A)

Blocking dopamine D2 receptors with first-generation antipsychotics, especially over the long term, disrupts motor pathways in the brain. This leads to extrapyramidal symptoms, the most characteristic being tardive dyskinesia—a late-onset, often persistent movement disorder with involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and sometimes limbs. The risk rises with duration of treatment because chronic D2 blockade can cause dopamine receptor changes in the nigrostriatal pathway. While these drugs can cause weight changes and other effects, tardive dyskinesia is the hallmark motor side effect specific to long-term use of typical antipsychotics.

Blocking dopamine D2 receptors with first-generation antipsychotics, especially over the long term, disrupts motor pathways in the brain. This leads to extrapyramidal symptoms, the most characteristic being tardive dyskinesia—a late-onset, often persistent movement disorder with involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and sometimes limbs. The risk rises with duration of treatment because chronic D2 blockade can cause dopamine receptor changes in the nigrostriatal pathway. While these drugs can cause weight changes and other effects, tardive dyskinesia is the hallmark motor side effect specific to long-term use of typical antipsychotics.