The word akathisia comes from the Greek words meaning “not sitting.” The name is fitting because people experiencing akathisia feel an intense inner urge to move and are unable to remain still.
Patients often pace, rock back and forth, shift their weight repeatedly, or constantly move their legs. Many describe the sensation as unbearable.
Beyond physical restlessness, akathisia can trigger severe anxiety, irritability, agitation, and, in some cases, aggressive behavior.
Among antipsychotic medications, Haloperidol is one of the drugs most commonly associated with akathisia. Studies suggest that even a single dose can trigger akathisia. [1] Fortunately, akathisia typically resolves once the medication is discontinued.
This happens more often that people realize.
A retired friend reported hearing music in her head when there was nothing playing. Her doctor decided it was just another part of the memory decline she was experiencing.
It turned out hearing music was a known, documented overdose side-effect of one of her medications. The doctor had prescribed a combination of drugs that slowed the elimination of the problem medication and what would have been an harmless dose became mildly toxic. When the dosage was reduced the music and some other worrying side-effects disappeared.