Akathisia

Went to my pdoc today and she confirmed that I have akathisia, and secondary parkinson's, from Abilify. I'm feeling the extreme restlessness, I can't stop shaking my legs and pacing. I want to run and scream and tear my hair out and rip my skin off, but at the same time I feel trapped and suffocated and like something is binding me. I'm very curious if anyone has any advice on how to ease these symptoms until they pass naturally, or on how to better deal with them. Thanks.

Stop the medication before it becomes permanent.

Don't take medications on top of it to mask it. This is serious. I don't think you should have to deal with side effects like that. ;/

Cogentin helps - but changing meds would be better. Don't put up with that! Akathesia is hell

ive stopped the Abilify, and am switching to Seroquel for now. The akathisia seems to be lingering a bit though, I guess it will until the Abilify is at least out of system? Anyone know long it will last?

I think a week or two. For some patients it never completely goes away. ;/

ugh i just wanna run in circles but its like i cant run fast enough or tight enough to satisfy the restlessness!!!! i have some ativan to try and sedate me but even thats not working very well. hopefully it gets better soon

Can you exercise?

My pdoc prescribed I take 800 mg vit E daily to help with some mouth movements they helped some when I remember to keep up with it. It took a couple of weeks to see a difference.

Also benedryll helps. (Like taking it for 2-3 days)

I don't know why I didn't remember that earlier.

Also went through this very same experience this week with Risperidal, which is a similar (antipsychotic) drug used for augmenting my antidepressant. My doctor said that it was urgent that I stop the drug at the earliest signs that they appear to reduce the possibility of them being permanent. I'm waiting for the detox period, too, though I do now wish I had asked for something to counteract this horrible side effect until the drug washes out of my system. Wish you all the best in good luck in dealing with this. Keep us posted.

I think Abilify has a long half life so it will stick around a while. Can u ask the doctor for cogentin? It really helps

I have this problem with Risperidal too. I've just been drinking more coffee. Something about my body being hyper plus a stimulant calms me down and helps.

I tried the benadryl and it helped, mostly bc it sedated me. ive tried exercising but its like i cant focus and output the energy in any sort of organized or purposeful way. thanks for all the input and suggestions, im trying my best to just sleep the weekend away ugh.