I’ve been having this very uncomfortable feeling of inner restlessness for several months, and it’s gradually become worse to the point that it’s almost unbearable to not be moving. It feels a lot like anxiety —- there’s a constant gnawing in my abdomen and I’m ruminating on things like people not liking me, failing at my job, and loved ones dying and me being alone. There is also this feeling that I need to keep moving and keep doing things. It’s hard to just sit and relax. I keep waking at 2AM and just lay there for 4 more hours. Cognitively, I can tell I’m not as mentally organized as usual, and it’s hard to maintain focus, but I’m able to go to work and am not delusional or hallucinating.

I called my pdoc and she said it was a side effect — akithesia— of risperidal and prescribed propranolol. But it doesn’t seem to be helping. I have an appointment with her next week and will mention all this, but was wondering if this could be bipolar symptoms poking through instead of a medication side effect?

Has anyone had this feeling I’m describing? What caused it? Did anything help?

[HALLIEBETH87]

Sounds like my experience with Akathesia

[fern46]

Originally Posted by IRememberMyFirstBee

I’ve been having this very uncomfortable feeling of inner restlessness for several months, and it’s gradually become worse to the point that it’s almost unbearable to not be moving. It feels a lot like anxiety —- there’s a constant gnawing in my abdomen and I’m ruminating on things like people not liking me, failing at my job, and loved ones dying and me being alone. There is also this feeling that I need to keep moving and keep doing things. It’s hard to just sit and relax. I keep waking at 2AM and just lay there for 4 more hours. Cognitively, I can tell I’m not as mentally organized as usual, and it’s hard to maintain focus, but I’m able to go to work and am not delusional or hallucinating.

I called my pdoc and she said it was a side effect — akithesia— of risperidal and prescribed propranolol. But it doesn’t seem to be helping. I have an appointment with her next week and will mention all this, but was wondering if this could be bipolar symptoms poking through instead of a medication side effect?

Has anyone had this feeling I’m describing? What caused it? Did anything help?

Risperdal caused similar restlessness and anxiety for me. My doctor wanted to medicate me for it, but I wasn't comfortable with adding a second med just to combat the side effects of another. Instead, my doctor weaned me off Risperdal and moved me onto Geodon. That worked for me.

I hope you find relief soon. I know this is an awful feeling.

[Nammu]

Could call you doc back and ask for a different med for the side effects, I've heard of other meds but can't think of their names, sorry.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Cogentin? I take it for muscle spasms and ocular dystonia

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by IRememberMyFirstBee

I’ve been having this very uncomfortable feeling of inner restlessness for several months, and it’s gradually become worse to the point that it’s almost unbearable to not be moving. It feels a lot like anxiety —- there’s a constant gnawing in my abdomen and I’m ruminating on things like people not liking me, failing at my job, and loved ones dying and me being alone. There is also this feeling that I need to keep moving and keep doing things. It’s hard to just sit and relax. I keep waking at 2AM and just lay there for 4 more hours. Cognitively, I can tell I’m not as mentally organized as usual, and it’s hard to maintain focus, but I’m able to go to work and am not delusional or hallucinating.

I called my pdoc and she said it was a side effect — akithesia— of risperidal and prescribed propranolol. But it doesn’t seem to be helping. I have an appointment with her next week and will mention all this, but was wondering if this could be bipolar symptoms poking through instead of a medication side effect?

Has anyone had this feeling I’m describing? What caused it? Did anything help?

I feel bad that you have felt like that for months. What you've described sounds like akathesia to me - and there could also be anxiety going on, too. It's good to check it all out with your pdoc.

When I've experienced akathesia I felt like I was going to explode...awful sensation.

You didn't mention which med you're on. For me Abilify caused akathesia, and some other problems. I'm taking Zyprexa now, along with Cogentin. So far, in 3 weeks I've had only one slight break-through akathesia.

Cogentin is the old tried-and-true med for akathesia and hand tremors.