Quick Reference
Think dopamine when:
- Extrapyramidal Symptoms
- Gynecomastia / Hyperprolactinemia
- Antipsychotics (FGA/SGA)
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Dopamine
Produced in Substantia Nigra
- Dopamine inhibits prolactin release from Anterior Pituitary
Extra Pyramidal Symptoms
EPS is caused by a relative deficiency of dopamine and an excess of
acetylcholine in the nigrostriatal pathway.
This explains why anticholinergic medications such as benztropine (Cogentin) and diphenhydramine can quickly alleviate dystonia. Some of the newer antipsychotics are likely
to cause akathisia (restlessness).
Common / unique EPS med / symptom combos:
- Compazine (prochlorperazine): dystonic torticollis
- Phenergan (Chlorpromazine) / Reglan (Metoclopramide): akathisia
Hyperprolactinemia
