Which of the following is a common extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol?

Which of the following is a common extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Photosensitivity
• D. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

Answer: (D)

Haloperidol is a high-potency typical antipsychotic that strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors in motor pathways. This blockade in the nigrostriatal system disrupts dopamine signaling enough to produce movement disorders known as extrapyramidal symptoms. EPS is a common and characteristic side effect with haloperidol, encompassing dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and can progress to tardive dyskinesia with longer use. The other options—tachycardia, drowsiness, and photosensitivity—can occur with antipsychotics but do not reflect the motor side effects tied to haloperidol’s primary action.

Haloperidol is a high-potency typical antipsychotic that strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors in motor pathways. This blockade in the nigrostriatal system disrupts dopamine signaling enough to produce movement disorders known as extrapyramidal symptoms. EPS is a common and characteristic side effect with haloperidol, encompassing dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and can progress to tardive dyskinesia with longer use. The other options—tachycardia, drowsiness, and photosensitivity—can occur with antipsychotics but do not reflect the motor side effects tied to haloperidol’s primary action.