Role of p.r.n. antimuscarinic medication in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal movement disorders

Abstract

The antimuscarinic drugs procyclidine, orphenadrine, benzhexol and benztropine are used in psychiatric practice to alleviate the extrapyramidal effects of antipsychotic medication. These drugs may be prescribed on a regular, as-required or single-dose basis. They are usually taken by mouth, in tablet or liquid form, but for rapid onset of action procyclidine and benztropine can be given by intramuscular or intravenous injection.