How do you address akathisia for patients who have had otherwise an excellent response to their antipsychotic treatment?
Answer from: at Academic Institution
Try lowering the dosage of the antipsychotic, if possible. If this is not effective and the patient is on a high-potency FGA medication, try switching to a lower-potency antipsychotic. If the above is not possible, suggest treatment with propranolol (if there is no contraindication) at 10 mg twice d...
I prefer atenolol over propranolol since atenolol doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier and causes "the blahs" which happens too frequently with propranolol.
Comments
Good reminder on beta blockers and differential ef...
I agree with Dr. @Schrift. In an acute setting, can also give diphenhydramine (25 to 50 mg IV) or benztropine (1 to 2 mg IV). If this is effective, these medications are given in the PO form for 2-3 days following.
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at Newyork Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center It's important to consider age. Geriatric patients...
I start with propranolol 20 mg 2-3 times a day as needed. I instruct them to start with twice a day and to add the midday dose if they need it. Also if it makes them dizzy, break it in half and take a lower dose. Propranolol is not very good at lowering arterial blood pressure which is why I like it...