Akathisia

Introduction

This is an adverse effect of neuroleptic treatment occurring at the end stage of usage. It is a subjective feeling of muscular discomfort, the patient gets agitated, pace relentlessly and feels dysphoric. The patient has no control over it and has an irresistible tendency to move about. Akathisia can be mistaken for psychotic excitement.

Treatment

• Propranolol, amantidine, benzodiazepines are all tried.
• The antipsychotic dosage has to be reduced.