Premium
Incidence of antiemetic‐induced akathisia in patients at a comprehensive cancer center
Author(s) -
Rashid A.,
Baile W.,
Olubajo T.,
De La Garza R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4597
Subject(s) - akathisia , nausea , anxiety , antiemetic , vomiting , medicine , psychology , psychiatry , anesthesia , antipsychotic , schizophrenia (object oriented programming)
Akathisia is a common and severely disabling medication‐induced movement disorder. The condition is often missed, and patients suffer for a long time until diagnosed and managed properly. It is important to bring awareness to the clinicians for early detection and management of akathisia. Methods We reviewed a 4‐year record of patients seen at a comprehensive cancer center for anxiety and restlessness. Patients diagnosed with akathisia and the medications causing akathisia were identified. Management of akathisia is discussed. Results The results showed that 4.7% of patients developed akathisia while taking antiemetic agents to control chemotherapy‐induced nausea/vomiting. Early detection and management of akathisia resulted in quick recovery and reduced patients' suffering. Conclusion Akathisia is an unpleasant feeling of motor restlessness with anxiety. Clinicians need to have a full understanding to identify the subtle difference between functional anxiety and akathisia.