Antipsychotic drug-induced dysphoria.
BACKGROUND
Dysphoric reactions to antipsychotic medication are well recognised in association with akathisia, but can also occur independently.


METHODS
Fifty-one healthy volunteers were given haloperidol 5 mg in two consecutive pharmacokinetic studies.


RESULTS
Dysphoria occurred in about 40% of the subjects on both occasions, but akathisia was only detected in 8% (first study) and 16% (second study). All adverse effects were transient and were abolished in nine of the ten subjects given procyclidine.


CONCLUSIONS
While dysphoria is a well-recognized reaction in healthy volunteers, it is probably insufficiently recognised in patients, particularly if it occurs in the absence of akathisia. Better detection could improve compliance in patients.
King
D J
DJ
Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, Queen's University of Belfast.
Burke
M
M
Lucas
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011352:Procyclidine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011352:Procyclidine; D006220:Haloperidol