Cyproheptadine treatment in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
BACKGROUND
Cyproheptadine, an antiserotonergic agent, was used to treat neuroleptic-induced akathisia.


METHODS
In an open clinical trial 17 neuroleptic-treated patients with akathisia were administered cyproheptadine (16 mg/day) over 4 days. Assessment of akathisia, psychosis and depression were monitored by BAS, BPRS and HAM-D.


RESULTS
All subjects showed improvement in the severity of akathisia, which in the majority (15/17) was of a marked degree. There was no aggravation of psychosis or depression. Symptoms of akathisia returned when cyproheptadine was discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyproheptadine may be useful in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
Weiss
D
D
Gehah Psychiatric Hospital, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Aizenberg
D
D
Hermesh
H
H
Zemishlany
Z
Z
Munitz
H
H
Radwan
M
M
Weizman
A
A
D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003533:Cyproheptadine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D003533:Cyproheptadine