Studies on the time course and efficacy of beta-blockers in neuroleptic-induced akathisia and the akathisia of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
This investigation reports pilot data on two points originally raised in the earliest reports of the efficacy of beta-blockers in akathisia: their potential utility in the akathisia of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and the possibility of determining a central vs. a peripheral site of action by comparing the time course of the effects of lipophilic and hydrophilic agents. Akathisia improved in 4 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease after low dose propranolol treatment. Six patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia were treated with the hydrophilic beta-blocker nadolol. Effects on akathisia occurred, but evolved much more slowly than after treatment with lipophilic agents, such as propranolol and metoprolol, thus suggesting a central site of action.
Psychiatry Service, New York Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, NY 10010.
L A
LA
Adler
B
B
Angrist
H
H
Weinreb
J
J
Rotrosen
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009248:Nadolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009248:Nadolol; D011433:Propranolol