Which medication is commonly used to treat dystonic reactions resulting from antipsychotic usage?

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Dystonic reactions are often a side effect of antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation antipsychotics. These reactions can include muscle spasms, abnormal muscle contractions, and other involuntary movements. Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that has anticholinergic properties. This makes it effective in alleviating the symptoms associated with dystonia by helping to relax the muscles and counterbalance the effects of the antipsychotic medication on the central nervous system.

In contrast, cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant primarily used for muscle spasms related to musculoskeletal conditions, and it does not specifically target dystonic reactions linked to antipsychotic use. Clozapine is itself an antipsychotic and is not used to treat the side effects of another antipsychotic. Olanzapine, while also an antipsychotic, does not have the same role in treating dystonic reactions specifically. Thus, the use of Benadryl to address dystonic reactions is well-supported in medical practice.

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