Do I Have Medication-Induced Acute Akathisia?

Do you complain of restlessness, often accompanied by observed excessive movements (e.g., fidgety movements of the legs, rocking from foot to foot, pacing, inability to sit or stand still), developing within a few weeks of starting a medication (such as a neuroleptic)?

Do you complain of restlessness, often accompanied by observed excessive movements (e.g., fidgety movements of the legs, rocking from foot to foot, pacing, inability to sit or stand still), developing within a few weeks of raising the dosage of a medication (such as a neuroleptic)?

Do you complain of restlessness, often accompanied by observed excessive movements (e.g., fidgety movements of the legs, rocking from foot to foot, pacing, inability to sit or stand still), developing within a few weeks after reducing the dosage of a medication used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (side-effects of antipsychotics and other drugs)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have medication-induced acute akathisia.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have medication-induced acute akathisia. Seeking medical support is essential. Akathisia is a side effect of antipsychotic drugs that are used to treat, for example, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When you stop taking the medicine that causes akathisia, the symptoms should go away. Unfortunately, there are some people who may continue experiencing symptoms. In such cases, immediate treatment is highly important. When left untreated, the psychotic symptoms will get worse. Treatment involves discontinuing the drug that caused akathisia and taking medicines to manage symptoms. Vitamin B-6 may also help.