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Treatment of neuroleptic induced akathisia with the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin.

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.
AuthorsC H Miller, W W Fleischhacker, H Ehrmann, J M Kane
JournalPsychopharmacology bulletin (Psychopharmacol Bull) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 373-6 ( 1990) ISSN: 0048-5764 [Print] United States
PMID1980375 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Piperidines
  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Ritanserin
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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