The extrapyramidal effects of phenothiazines on patients.

The phenothiazines have been used for many years in the treatment of psychoses. They act by blocking dopamine receptors. Unfortunately, they can also produce extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS). The pharmacological origins of these side-effects are explored in this paper and their presentation, prevalence and reversibility are considered. Non-motor adverse effects are also described, and implications for patient monitoring and education are also noted.