Which is a common effect of antipsychotic medications?

Antipsychotic medications commonly produce sedation or dizziness as side effects due to their action on neurotransmitter systems in the brain. These medications primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors, which can lead to various central nervous system effects. The sedative properties are particularly prominent in first-generation antipsychotics, but can also be present in many second-generation antipsychotics, especially when initiating treatment or adjusting dosages.

Sedation can be beneficial in managing acute psychotic episodes or agitation, helping to calm the patient. However, it can also result in dizziness, which may occur due to orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing. This side effect can lead to increased risk of falls, especially in older patients or those already at risk for dizziness.

Other options do not accurately reflect the typical effects of antipsychotics. While weight gain is a possibility with some antipsychotics, the combination of euphoria is uncommon; rather, these medications aim to stabilize mood and reduce psychotic symptoms. Increased energy and alertness are not typical effects associated with antipsychotic medications, as they often induce sedation. Saying that these medications rarely cause any side effects ignores the well-documented range of adverse effects associated with their use