What is the purpose of anticholinergic drugs in psychotropic therapy?

Anticholinergic drugs are primarily utilized in psychotropic therapy to reduce extrapyramidal side effects associated with certain antipsychotic medications. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) can include movement disorders such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia, which are often side effects of typical antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors. Anticholinergics work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine in the brain, which can help restore the balance between dopaminergic and cholinergic activity. This is particularly important because the blockade of dopamine receptors can lead to an overactivity of cholinergic systems, contributing to the development of EPS. Thus, the administration of anticholinergic agents can alleviate these unwanted side effects and improve the overall tolerability of antipsychotic therapy.

In contrast, increasing dopamine activity pertains more to drug classes like psychostimulants or certain antidepressants rather than the role of anticholinergic medications. Enhancing serotonin levels is primarily achieved through selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related compounds, which are separate from the action of anticholinergics. While cognitive function may show some improvement through various means, antich