Which side effect is associated with chronic use of typical antipsychotics?

Chronic use of typical antipsychotics is primarily associated with extrapyramidal symptoms, which encompass a range of movement disorders, including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms occur due to the antagonistic action of typical antipsychotics on dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly the D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, which is critical for the coordination of movement. As the medication is used over a long period, the risk of developing these movement disorders increases, making it essential for clinicians to monitor patients closely for these side effects.

In contrast, while weight gain is more commonly linked with atypical antipsychotics, agranulocytosis is a serious side effect that is primarily associated with some atypical agents like clozapine rather than typical ones. Serotonin syndrome is typically associated with the use of serotonergic medications, not typical antipsychotics. Understanding these associations is key in managing the treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders.