What is a common characteristic of piperazine phenothiazines?

Piperazine phenothiazines are known for their unique side effect profile, particularly the higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which includes movement disorders such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia. This is primarily due to their stronger antagonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors in the central nervous system. While other classes of antipsychotics, especially atypical ones, may have a lower risk of these symptoms thanks to their preferential serotonin receptor blockade, piperazine phenothiazines do not share this property, making them more likely to cause EPS.

In contrast, options that suggest less sedation, shorter duration of action, or minimal side effects do not typically align with the pharmacological profile of piperazine phenothiazines. In fact, these compounds often cause sedation as a side effect, they have variable durations depending on the specific drug, and they are generally associated with more notable side effects compared to other antipsychotics. Thus, the key characteristic of piperazine phenothiazines is indeed the higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms.