Diagnosing And Treating Akathisia

Change In Antipsychotic Medication

If the akathisia is a side effect of a medication, it may be eased by a change in antipsychotic medication. The doctor may taper the patient off the old medication and prescribe another one to treat their symptoms. If the patient must be on an antipsychotic medication, the doctor might switch them to a newer type. These newer antipsychotic medications have a lower risk for akathisia, though they are not risk-free.

The best practice is for the doctor to prescribe the smallest effective dose initially and increase the dosage over time should it be necessary. Other medications used to treat akathisia are those that block the parasympathetic nerve impulses that control involuntary muscles, as well as high blood pressure and anti-viral medications.