Which drug class is commonly associated with falls, sedation, and Parkinsonism?

• A. Antipsychotics
• B. Antidepressants
• C. NSAIDs
• D. Diuretics

Answer: (A)

Antipsychotics commonly cause extrapyramidal symptoms by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, which disrupts normal motor control and can lead to Parkinsonism (tremor, rigidity, slowed movement). At the same time, many of these drugs have sedative effects from antihistaminic and sometimes alpha-adrenergic-blocking actions, contributing to daytime drowsiness. The combination of movement disorders and sedation increases the risk of falls, making this drug class the one most associated with both symptoms. Other drug classes listed don’t typically produce this same combination of Parkinsonian features and sedation; NSAIDs and diuretics mainly affect other systems, and antidepressants, while they can cause some sedation or dizziness, don’t commonly produce Parkinsonism.