Which symptom would indicate a potential extrapyramidal side effect requiring medical assessment?

Which symptom would indicate a potential extrapyramidal side effect requiring medical assessment?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Insomnia
• C. Resting tremor
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (C)

Extrapyramidal side effects arise when dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway from antipsychotic meds causes movement disorders. Resting tremor is a classic sign of drug-induced parkinsonism, a form of EPS, so it flags a potential EPS that needs medical assessment and possible adjustment of therapy. Drowsiness, insomnia, and weight gain are common but nonspecific side effects and do not point to EPS specifically.

Extrapyramidal side effects arise when dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway from antipsychotic meds causes movement disorders. Resting tremor is a classic sign of drug-induced parkinsonism, a form of EPS, so it flags a potential EPS that needs medical assessment and possible adjustment of therapy. Drowsiness, insomnia, and weight gain are common but nonspecific side effects and do not point to EPS specifically.