Diagnosing And Treating Akathisia

Beta-Blockers

Other medications effective at relieving akathisia are beta-blockers or beta-adrenergic antagonists. They are often the first medication doctors recommend for their patients with akathisia. Scientists do not know exactly how beta-blockers work, but they probably block the neurotransmitters that affect dopamine pathways. The usual dose of beta-blocker is between ten and thirty milligrams taken three times a day. They are contraindicated for patients who have respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because beta antagonists also cause the airways to narrow. Even if the patient does not have these problems, a beta antagonist needs to be taken under a doctor's supervision. Some of these cause a drop in both heart rate and blood pressure.

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