Efficacy of low-dose metoprolol in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
Recent studies have shown that the beta-blockers can be effective treatments for neuroleptic-induced akathisia. However, the relative contributions of beta-1 versus beta-2 blockade to the therapeutic effect of beta-blockers remains unclear. We treated nine patients who had neuroleptic-induced akathisia with low doses (25-100 mg/day) of the beta-blocker metoprolol. At these doses metoprolol causes selective blockade of beta-1 receptors. Seven patients improved after metoprolol; no further substantial changes were seen after subsequent treatment with propranolol. This finding suggests that neuroleptic-induced akathisia can be improved by selective beta-1 blockade.
Kim
A
A
Psychiatry Service, New York, VAMC, NY 10010.
Adler
L
L
Angrist
B
B
Rotrosen
J
J
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011433:Propranolol; D008790:Metoprolol