Posted by Scott L. Schofield on January 6, 2000, at 10:13:31
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by scott on January 5, 2000, at 13:57:20
In Re: akathisia
> I think what you are talking about is akathesia.
> It is a highly subjective feeling of inner restlessness.This is a good description. As mentioned below, it can reach the point of being intolerable.
> I experienced it when I was on risperdal. It can become very disturbing and intolerable.
Akathisia as a side-effect has been associated with the neuroleptic drugs used as major tranquilizers (like Thorazine). These drugs are known to block dopamine receptors, a property that is presumed to be the mechanism by which they exert their antipsychotic effect. Risperdal (risperidone) is included in this category of drugs, and should be suspect whenever akathisia appears. I don’t know to if and to what degree serotonergic events contribute to or mitigate akathisia. I did come across one paper that concluded that 5-HT3 receptors were not involved.
> It helps to put a name to the symptom. That is, it helps to know that it is _recognized_ as a legitimate affliction. Before I knew what it was, people treated me as if my complaints were unfounded. How frustrating!
The newer neuroleptic drugs, including risperidone, are supposed to carry with them less risk of inducing akathisia along with other EPS (ExtraPyrimidal Side-effect). Hopefully, this will also be true of tardive-dyskinisia, an irreversible EPS that presents as a movement disorder.- Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:9568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000101/msgs/18200.html