Adverse effects vary among the various agents in this class of medications, but common effects include: dry mouth, muscle stiffness, muscle cramping, tremors, EPS and weight gain. EPS refers to a cluster of symptoms consisting of akathisia, parkinsonism, and dystonia. Anticholinergics such as benztropine and diphenhydramine are commonly prescribed to treat the EPS. 4% of users develop rabbit syndrome while on<unk> s. There is a risk of developing a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of<unk> s, including<unk> s. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia after chronic<unk>  usage varies on several factors, such as age and gender, as well as the specific<unk>  used. The commonly reported incidence of TD among younger patients is about 5% per year. Among older patients incidence rates as high as 20% per year have been reported. The average prevalence is approximately 30%. There are few treatments that have consistently been shown to be effective for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, though an VMAT2 inhibitor like valbenazine may help. The<unk>  clozapine has also been suggested as an alternative<unk>  for patients experiencing tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia may reverse upon discontinuation of the offending agent or it may be irreversible, withdrawal may also make tardive dyskinesia more severe. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or NMS, is a rare, but potentially fatal side effect of<unk>  treatment. NMS is characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, and altered mental status. Treatment includes discontinuation of the offending agent and supportive care. The role of<unk> s has come into question recently as studies have suggested that<unk> s may increase the risk of death in elderly patients. A retrospective cohort study from the New England Journal of Medicine on Dec. 1, 2005 showed an increase in risk of death with the use of<unk> s that was on par with the increase shown with<unk> s. This has led some to question the common use of<unk> s for the treatment of agitation in the elderly, particularly with the availability of alternatives such as mood stabilizing and antiepileptic drugs.
Typical antipsychotic
Atypical antidepressant
Tricyclic antidepressant
Tetracyclic antidepressant
Second-generation antidepressant
Atypical antipsychotic
Antipsychotic
Heterocyclic antidepressant