What is Akathisa? An Uncomfortable Medication Side Effect

Akathisia is a side effect of some medications mostly antipsychotics, antidepressants and antiemetics with are medications prescribed for nausea and vomiting. Some of these medications are ondansetron, brand name Zofran and promethazine brand name Phenergan.

Akathisia is a Greek term that means not to sit. As such Akathisia is a movement disorder that causes extreme restlessness and inability to stay still. It can vary from mild to severe and cause a lot of distress.

Solutions are to stop the medication, decrease the medication or add another medication to treat the akathisia. Some of these medications are:
benztropine, propranolol, amantadine and clonidine.

References
Akagi, H., & Kumar, T. M. (2002). Lesson of the week: Akathisia: overlooked at a cost. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 324(7352), 1506–1507.


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