Can not keep quiet after taking medicine, is it possible akathisia? : function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Akathisia is a symptom caused by a side effect of certain drugs that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Often occurs after a person has started a new medication. What causes it? Here's the explanation.

What is akathisia?

Akathisia is a side effect symptom that results in a feeling of restlessness and insecurity, which encourages you to keep moving, especially your legs. This term comes from Greek akathemi, which means never sitting down.

Akathisia is not a condition in itself, but rather a side effect of an older generation of antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, this side effect can also occur with the new generation of antipsychotic drugs.

Between 20 and 75 percent of people taking this drug will experience side effects, especially in the first few weeks after starting treatment.

Akathisia is divided into three types, based on the timing of side effects, namely:

• Acute akathisia develops as soon as antipsychotic drugs are started, and lasts for less than six months.
• Chronic akathisia last longer than six months.
• The tardif accordia develop several months or years after taking antipsychotic drugs.

What are the signs that someone has akathisia?

People with akathisia feel an uncontrollable urge to move and develop anxiety. Generally, people who experience these side effects will develop one or all of the following symptoms:

• Restless and panic
• Impatient
• Easy to get angry

To relieve anxiety and uncontrolled movement, usually the person will perform repetitive movements such as:

• Swing your arms and your whole body, either standing or sitting.
• Shifting body weight from one leg to the other (when standing).
• Walk in place.
• Back and forth.
• Dragging feet while walking.
• Lift your knees like you're marching.
• Extending legs or swinging legs while sitting.

It is important for people experiencing these side effects to get medical attention when they begin to show symptoms. The doctor can easily adjust the medication to alleviate these side effects, while still treating the condition of the previous administration of the drug.

What causes akathisia to occur?

Akathisia is a side effect of an older generation of antipsychotic drugs for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. These drugs include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), flupentixol (Fluanxol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), molindone (Moban), perphenazine (trilafon), pimozide (Orap), prochlorperazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), tiotixene (Navane), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine).

In addition, other medicines are called atypical (unspecified) antipsychotics, which are the new generation of antipsychotic drugs that may also cause the same side effects. These drugs include olanzapine, risperidone, lurasidone, ziprasidone, quetiapine, and paliperidone.

However, doctors are not sure why this side effect can occur. Some doctors assume that this side effect occurs because antipsychotic drugs block dopamine-sensitive brain receptors. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that functions as a messenger or stimulation between nerves, and as a hormone, which helps control movement. However, other neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA may also play a role in this side effect.

Apart from antipsychotic drugs, several other drugs that can also cause akathisia include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Sedative before surgery
• Nausea medicine
• Medication for dizziness and vertigo

Risk factors for akathisia

Not everyone will experience this side effect. However, some people may be at increased risk of these side effects if:

• Taking higher doses of older generation antipsychotic drugs.
• The dose of the drug you are taking is high.
• Middle-aged or older adults.
• Increase the dose of the drug very suddenly.
• People with certain medical conditions including traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disease, or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

How do you deal with akathisia?

The first step in dealing with it is to re-evaluate the drugs that cause akathisia. In addition, your doctor may prescribe additional medications such as antiviral drugs, benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), blood pressure medications, and anticholinergic drugs.

Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 can help relieve these side effects. In one study, high doses of vitamin B6 were tested alongside an antidepressant and placebo. The results showed that vitamin B6 improved symptoms better than placebo. Antidepressants and mianserine can also improve symptoms.

People who need antipsychotic drugs usually receive a low dose initially and will be added slowly. Although the new generation of drugs can help prevent these side effects, there is evidence that people who take them in high doses are equally at risk.