Posted by ed_uk on October 25, 2005, at 13:50:40
In reply to Antipsychotic [side] effects?, posted by silmarilone on October 24, 2005, at 22:01:09
Hi S,
>I'm feeling slightly restless, and unable to relax...
For what condition have you been prescribed Trilafon? Do you have a diagnosis? Were you restless before you started taking Trilafon?
Trilafon can cause a side effect called akathisia - a particularly unpleasant form of restlessness. If akathisia occurs, a dose *reduction* is often helpful. If an alternative drug is available, you might be able to discontinue the Trilafon and take something else instead.
If a reduction in dose is not feasible and no alternative drugs are available, several meds can be prescribed to relieve akathisia. Procyclidine (or another anticholinergic) and propranolol are examples.
Perphenazine (Trilafon), haloperidol (Haldol), trifluoperazine (Stelazine) and similar high-potency neuroleptics have the advantage of causing less weight gain than some of the newer antipsychotics such as Zyprexa. Tardive dyskinesia is much more likely though. It's best to use the absolute minimum dose necessary. The presence of akathisia suggests that the dose is too high.
Some of the newer antipsychotics, Abilify in particular, have a reduced risk of weight gain. Have you tried Abilify?
Kind regards
~Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:571572
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051024/msgs/571738.html