CYPROHEPTADINE TREATMENT IN NEUROLEPTIC-INDUCED AKATHISIA

Background. Cyproheptadine, an antiserotonergic agent, was used to tre at neuroleptic-induced akathisia. Method. In an open clinical trial 17 neuroleptic-treated patients with akathisia were administered cyprohe ptadine (16 mg/day) over 4 days. Assessment of akathisia, psychosis an d depression were monitored by BAS, BPRS and HAM-D. Results. All subje cts showed improvement in the severity of akathisia, which in the majo rity (15/17) was of a marked degree. There was no aggravation of psych osis or depression. Symptoms of akathisia returned when cyproheptadine was discontinued. Conclusions. Cyproheptadine may be useful in neurol eptic-induced akathisia.