Which medication is commonly used to treat pseudoparkinsonism caused by antipsychotics?

Benztropine is commonly used to treat pseudoparkinsonism, a type of extrapyramidal side effect that can occur as a result of antipsychotic medication use. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, resembling the movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease.

Benztropine, which is an anticholinergic agent, works by restoring the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain. Antipsychotics often block dopamine receptors, leading to an increase in acetylcholine levels, which contributes to the symptoms of pseudoparkinsonism. By mitigating this imbalance, benztropine effectively alleviates the symptoms.

Other medications listed, such as haloperidol, clozapine, and olanzapine, are antipsychotics themselves and may actually contribute to the development of extrapyramidal side effects due to their mechanism of action. Therefore, while they can be effective in treating various psychiatric conditions, they are not suitable for addressing pseudoparkinsonism resulting from antipsychotic treatment. In contrast, benztropine specifically targets the hyperactivity of acetylcholine, making it the appropriate choice for managing these side effects