Which medication is commonly used to treat acute dystonia caused by antipsychotic medications?

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Diphenhydramine is commonly used to treat acute dystonia caused by antipsychotic medications because it is a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. Acute dystonia, which presents as sustained muscle spasms and abnormal postures, can occur as a side effect of antipsychotics, particularly first-generation agents. Diphenhydramine can effectively alleviate these symptoms by blocking the effects of acetylcholine in the central nervous system, thereby reducing muscle stiffness and spasms associated with dystonic reactions.

In contrast, haloperidol is itself an antipsychotic medication and would not be appropriate for treating dystonia caused by other antipsychotics. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used for depression and anxiety disorders, and it does not have the properties needed to counteract acute dystonia. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily for bipolar disorder and also lacks the specific effects needed to address dystonic reactions. Thus, diphenhydramine stands out as the effective choice for managing acute dystonia related to antipsychotic use.

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