Posted by ed_uk on December 18, 2005, at 5:13:06
In reply to is this akathisia from abilify, posted by bigscreen on December 17, 2005, at 21:46:11
Hi Bigscreen
Akathisia refers to a uniquely distressing type of physical restlessness induced by (often excessive) doses of antipsychotics and other dopamine antagonist drugs. Other drugs have also been implicated in causing akathisia-like symptoms.
>is there anything i can take for the akathesia
Yes - but it might not be necessary. You could reduce your Abilify dose in steps of 2.5mg every few days until the restlessness disappears. *If necessary*, you might be able to increase the dose back up to 10mg in a few weeks time.
Celexa can occasionally cause restlessness too, especialy when you first start taking it. You could decrease the dose to 5mg for a few days until you're feeling better. You could then return to 10mg.... and increase gradually if necessary.
If your doctor agrees, a *temporary* increase in your Klonopin dose might be helpful during the next few days. You can return to 0.5mg twice a day when the restlessness is no longer a problem.
Drugs used to treat akathisia include.......
1. Propranolol (Inderal)
2. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - 50mg can be taken in the evening for insomnia and akathisia. Small doses can be taken during the day if necessary.
3. Anticholinergic antiparkinsonian drugs eg. benztropine, procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, orphenadrine, biperiden etc.
Such drugs are often necessary in two situations....
1. As a short term treatment for severe akathisia - while the dose of the offending drug is being tapered.
2. As a long term treatment for akathisia in severely ill patients who require high doses of APs to treat their illness.
In general, if akathisia occurs, it's best to reduce the dose of the offending drug or switch to a different drug. Long term treatment with anti-akathisia drugs should only be contemplated if no other option is available. This is most likely to be the case in people with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders characterised by paranoid delusions and hallucinations.
For what condition are you taking Abilify?
Kind regards
Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:589900
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051211/msgs/589968.html