A 25-year-old man comes to the office due to difficulty walking and muscle stiffness. Medical history is notable for schizophrenia. The last hospitalization for acute psychosis was 3 weeks ago. Current medications include fluphenazine, which was started during her recent hospitalization. Examination shows a shuffling gait, rigidity in the upper extremities, and a low-amplitude tremor of her hands that improves with activity. On mental status examination, he is alert and oriented with mild paranoia but no auditory hallucinations. Which of the following is the best treatment for this patient's current symptoms?

Question

A 25-year-old man comes to the office due to difficulty walking and muscle stiffness. Medical history is notable for schizophrenia. The last hospitalization for acute psychosis was 3 weeks ago. Current medications include fluphenazine, which was started during her recent hospitalization. Examination shows a shuffling gait, rigidity in the upper extremities, and a low-amplitude tremor of her hands that improves with activity. On mental status examination, he is alert and oriented with mild paranoia but no auditory hallucinations.  Which of the following is the best treatment for this patient's current symptoms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Drug-induced parkinsonism is an extrapyramidal side effect caused by medications that block D2 receptors (eg, antipsychotics).  Management strategies include decreasing or discontinuing the offending medication and treatment with an anticholinergic medication.

A 25-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Due to Difficulty