Akathisia is a movement disturbance that makes it difficult for an individual to remain still. It provokes an impulse to change positions that the patient cannot control. The affected individual needs to twitch all the time, hike in place, or cross and uncross legs. Generally, akathisia is a side effect of antipsychotic drugs.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.
What are my treatment options for managing my bipolar disorder?
Query: Hello doctor, I have bipolar 1. Rarely manic, depressed 2 to 3 times a year. I have felt good since last four months. This afternoon I suddenly got very depressed, hopeless, ideation. I also have racing thoughts, cannot sit still, very irritable, heart racing and cannot stop crying. I have never fel... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. These symptoms are probably due to drugs side-effects called akathisia which includes almost all the symptoms you mentioned. This can occur without any warning and also change in any drug dose or schedule. Take Ativan one tablet (1 or 2 mg) now and can be repeated after o... Read Full »
Does changing medication for bipolar cause akathisia?
Query: Hi doctor, My son is diagnosed with bipolar type two disorder. He has been on Haldol 5 mg. Doctor prescribed a change to Loxapine. While starting on Loxapine doctor advised him to continue Haldol 2.5 mg for a week. But the patient is going through significant akathisia when on both, which is causin... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per the available description, it seems that Loxapine is the cause for akathisia, provided there was no akathisia with the use of Haldol (Haloperidol Decanoate) alone. Since the dose of Haldol is decreased to 2.5 mg from the previous 5 mg, the Haldol is unlike... Read Full »
Ask a Specialist Now
Get Expert advice/consultation in 3 stepsChat with a Doctor
Starting @ just $59