Abstract |
Akathisia is a frequent and distressing side effect of antipsychotic medication. Little is known about its pathophysiology. Treatment trials of serotonin antagonists in Parkinson's disease and neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism have been disappointing, with the possible exception of akathisia which has been reported to respond favorably to ritanserin. We report first results of a single-blind trial of ritanserin in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia. Ten patients received a mean dose of 13.5 mg/day (SD +/- 5.8) ritanserin for 2 to 4 days. Treatment response was assessed by the Hillside Akathisia Scale (HAS). HAS baseline ratings were 16.4 (+/- 6). After 3 days of treatment, these values dropped to 7.4 (+/- 5.2). This amelioration was statistically significant (p = .0069 matched-pairs signed rank test). Two patients did not respond. These results, although preliminary in nature, are encouraging and warrant further studies.
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Authors | C H Miller, W W Fleischhacker, H Ehrmann, J M Kane |
Journal | Psychopharmacology bulletin
(Psychopharmacol Bull)
Vol. 26
Issue 3
Pg. 373-6
( 1990)
ISSN: 0048-5764 [Print] United States |
PMID | 1980375
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antipsychotic Agents
- Piperidines
- Serotonin Antagonists
- Ritanserin
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Akathisia, Drug-Induced
- Antipsychotic Agents
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Piperidines
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Psychomotor Agitation
(drug therapy)
- Ritanserin
- Serotonin Antagonists
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
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