Akathisia

Akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion as well as by actions such as rocking while standing or sitting, lifting the feet as if marching on the spot and crossing and uncrossing the legs while sitting. Severe akathisia can cause extreme anxiety and uneasiness to the point that serious aggression and suicide may result.

Another misdiagnosis possibility is that a particular medication or substance may be the real cause of the disease. Certain medications, chemicals, toxins or substances may possibly be underlying causes of Akathisia. Side effects of medications or exposure to toxins, chemicals, or other substances may cause a symptom or condition. Hence, they become possible underlying causes of Akathisia but are often misdiagnosed or overlooked as a cause.

The drugs that can cause akathisia include:

- Neuroleptic (antipsychotic) agents (Haldol, Abilify, Zyprexa)

- SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil).

- Lithium

- Other antidepressants, such as the tricyclics and trazodone (Desyrel)

- Dopamine blockers, (Metoclopramide (Reglan) and prochlorperazine (Compazine))

- Certain drugs of abuse, such as GHB, methamphetamine and MDMA when administered in excessive doses.

If you or someone you love has suffered from drug induced Akathisia, please contact our service today. We can help put you in touch with experienced attorneys who are currently dealing with drug-related Akathisia cases.