Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with atypical antipsychotic drugs?

Atypical antipsychotic drugs are known for their efficacy in treating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. One of the hallmark characteristics of these medications is their diverse side effect profiles, which can vary among different agents within the class.

The most commonly associated side effects with atypical antipsychotic medications include orthostatic hypotension and sedation. Orthostatic hypotension occurs due to the adrenergic blocking properties of many atypical antipsychotics, where the medications can interfere with the body's ability to adjust blood pressure during changes in position, leading to dizziness or fainting upon standing. Sedation, another frequent side effect, can result from the antihistaminic effects of these medications, causing drowsiness and impacting overall alertness.

In contrast, other symptoms listed in the question do not reflect the most typical side effects seen with atypical antipsychotics. For instance, malignant hypertension and headache are not characteristic of this class and suggest a different physiological issue; skin hyperpigmentation and alopecia are not commonly documented side effects related to these medications; and while increased appetite can be seen with some atypical antipsychotics, severe anxiety is not a commonly linked side effect. Therefore, recognizing orthostatic hypot