I can only speak from my own experience with akathisia. The severe akathisia I experienced on Geodon was totally separate from any kind of bipolar episode, including mixed episodes, which I've had plenty of. I know this because I suffered with akathisia on Geodon for well over a year (maybe two), and during that time my moods were mostly stable.

I have taken a small dose of propranolol for another health issue, but that certainly didn't help my past akathisia. I had been trialed on Cogentin, as well. It did help, but I had to go off because it gave me severe constipation. In the end, my psychiatrist had me taking Ativan (a benzo) for it. I took between 1 and 2 mg per day, on average. I had also been taking a small dose of Klonopin (0.5 mg) but that was not really for my akathisia. That was just for no good reason other than to avoid benzo withdrawal. I much prefer(ed) Ativan, so had no desire to have my Klonopin dose upped.

I had had some milder akathisia on medications like Abilify and Zyprexa, but they just made me want to pace a lot. The akathisia on Geodon was downright torturous. It's difficult to even describe. But in contrast to the other experiences, I mostly just stayed in bed rocking back and forth as if I was having a severe migraine (but with no pain), and sometimes almost (or even actually) screaming a bit. The only relief was when the Ativan kicked in again. Its effects would wear off after so many hours.

Eventually I was weaned off of Geodon (the most difficult medication I've had to go off), so the akathisia subsided. Then I was left having to be weaned off of Ativan. Boo!