title: Treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia with nicotine patches.
abstract: We administered 14 mg nicotine patches to 16 patients, all non-smokers, who displayed akathisia from antipsychotic drugs. On single-blind ratings, akathisia appeared significantly reduced on days when patients were wearing the patches as compared to the baseline day. These findings, if confirmed, may help to explain the high rates of tobacco use among psychotic patients, and may suggest avenues for the treatment of akathisia.
authors.affiliation: Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Anfang
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Pope
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine