A dystonic reaction is typically an adverse reaction to which type of drug?

A dystonic reaction is typically an adverse reaction to which type of drug?

• A. Antidepressants
• B. Antipsychotic drugs such as Haloperidol
• C. Benzodiazepines
• D. Antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Dystonic reactions happen when dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia are blocked by certain medications, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures. This is most classic with dopamine D2 receptor antagonists used as antipsychotics, especially high-potency ones like haloperidol. The blockade creates an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in motor pathways, producing the sustained, sometimes twisting movements and grimacing seen in acute dystonia. These reactions typically appear shortly after starting or increasing the dose. They’re treated with anticholinergic drugs such as benztropine or diphenhydramine. Among the given options, antipsychotic medications are the best fit because they’re the well-known cause of dystonia; the others are not typical culprits in this context.

Dystonic reactions happen when dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia are blocked by certain medications, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures. This is most classic with dopamine D2 receptor antagonists used as antipsychotics, especially high-potency ones like haloperidol. The blockade creates an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in motor pathways, producing the sustained, sometimes twisting movements and grimacing seen in acute dystonia. These reactions typically appear shortly after starting or increasing the dose. They’re treated with anticholinergic drugs such as benztropine or diphenhydramine. Among the given options, antipsychotic medications are the best fit because they’re the well-known cause of dystonia; the others are not typical culprits in this context.