DRUG-INDUCED MOVEMENT-DISORDERS

Drug-induced movement disorders are often unrecognized, especially whe n not due to dopamine receptor blockers. This review discusses acute, subacute, and chronic syndromes. Pathophysiology relates almost always to dopaminergic transmission. Patient-dependent vulnerability and dru g-dependent sensitivity are contributing factors. Young patients are m ore prone to acute reactions, and tardive or chronic conditions are mo re frequent in the elderly. Subclinical Parkinsonism can be unmasked b y medication exposure. Treatment of tardive dyskinesia remains a chall enging task for the clinician, but novel antipsychotics and dopamine d epleting agents can be beneficial.