Akathisia, Side Effects of Antispicotic Drugs that must be treated immediately

Akathisia is a symptom of feeling restless, unable to stay still, and an uncontrollable urge to move the body. This occurs as a side effect of the use of certain drugs. Check out the information about the causes, symptoms and how to handle akathisia below! Akathisia is a movement disorder in which there are movements that are carried out continuously without a break. This is a side effect of antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe depression. Based on the course of his illness, akathisia is divided into 3 types, namely:

• Acute Akathisia

Symptoms appear immediately after taking antipsychotic drugs, and last for less than six months.

• Chronic Akathisia

Symptoms last longer than six months.

• Akathisia Tardif

New symptoms appear months or years after taking antipsychotic drugs.

Symptoms of Akathisia

The main symptoms of akathisia are feelings of anxiety and uncontrolled urge to move. Other symptoms include:

• Impatience
• Panic
• Easy to get angry

Due to anxiety and uncontrolled urge to move, most people with akathisia will make repetitive movements such as:

• Walking back and forth.
• Swinging his arms and entire body, both standing or sitting.
• Transferring weight from one foot to the other (when standing).
• Dragging feet while walking.
• Raise your knees like you're in a row.
• Extend a leg or swing a leg while sitting.

Beware of Use of Medicines to Cause Akathisia

Drugs that can cause side effects in the form of akathisia are antipsychotic drugs, including chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, and aripiprazole. Blood pressure-lowering drugs calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and medications to relieve nausea and vomiting can also cause akathisia. Not all antipsychotic drug users will experience akathisia. At least 20 to 75 percent of people who take this drug will experience side effects, especially in the first few weeks after starting treatment. Until now, it is uncertain why this side effect can occur. Some experts assume that these side effects occur because antipsychotic drugs block dopamine-sensitive brain receptors. Dopamine is an important brain chemical that functions as a messenger to help control movement. Other brain chemicals, including acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA, may also play a role in these side effects.

Akathisia Risk Factors

The risk of experiencing akathisia will increase if using old-generation antipsychotic drugs with high doses. In addition, the risk of akathisia is also higher in adults and the elderly, as well as when increasing the drug dose suddenly. Some medical conditions mentioned are related to the risk of akathisia, including:

• Parkinson's disease.
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
• Traumatic brain injury.

Medical Treatment of Akathisia

People who experience akathisia need to get medical help immediately when they start showing symptoms. In most cases, the doctor may decrease the dose of the drug or replace it with another type of drug that is not at risk of causing akathisia. So far, there is no treatment to cure akathisia. But to help relieve symptoms, your doctor will prescribe additional drugs, such as sedatives benzodiazepines, blood pressure-lowering drugs, anticholinergic drugs, or drugs for Parkinson's disease. Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 can also help relieve the symptoms of akathisia. Nevertheless, not all cases of akathisia can be treated with these drugs. Although it seems mild, akathisia is a condition that needs treatment as soon as possible. If late or not treated, this condition will cause stress, behavioral disorders, severe psychosis, to cause thoughts of suicide or violence. So, if the symptoms of akathisia appear after the use of certain drugs, immediately consult a doctor.