Posted by phidippus on July 26, 2014, at 18:01:27
In reply to ongoing akathisia, posted by g_g_g_unit on July 20, 2014, at 8:12:25
Those with tardive akathisia often have difficulty sitting at all. The disease was first noted in 1903, 50 years before antipsychotic medications were introduced. A doctor named Hasovec observed a pair of patients who exhibited symptoms of psychoneurosis.
Fifty-one years later, another doctor named Steck observed similar symptoms in patients who had been treated with the new antipsychotic medications that a corporation called Smith, Kline and French had just introduced. In the most extreme cases, these patients must pace around, remaining in an agitated state of motion at all times. This compulsion is largely due to feelings of intense paranoia and undefined anxiety. For this reason, it has often been misdiagnosed as a mental state, for which additional drugs are prescribed, making the problem even worse. Violent and even suicidal tendencies have been reported among these patients.
There have been indications that the use of the hormone melatonin and vitamin B6 may help to alleviate symptoms. As far as drugs go beta blockers are the first choice. amantadine or clonidine can be tried. Other agents that have been investigated include ritanserin, piracetam, valproic acid (sodium valproate) and tricyclic antidepressants. Ropinorole may be of use. Also, artane and cogentin may .be given. Evidence on the treatment of tardive akathisia is unsatisfactory.
Eric
poster:phidippus
thread:1068586
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140717/msgs/1068810.html