Posted by ed_uk on February 8, 2005, at 9:22:16
In reply to Re: Akathisia - help!, posted by pretty_paints on February 8, 2005, at 8:41:02
Hi Katie!
>I take procyclidine in 5mg tablets, and I can take up to 3 a day it says. I'm sure you can take more, but I never take more than that. It helps for a good four hours with one tablet
Yes, the maximum dose (UK) is 60mg/24 hours but most people take 30mg/day or less. Taking it three times a day is not always sufficient, some people need to take it more often. It is common for people to take it four times a day- this is perfectly acceptable. If you need to take 5mg four times a day, then take it! :-)
>it is waaay underestimated as a side effect
You're not kidding! It can rapidly drive people to suicide if it's not diagnosed and treated, especially if the dose of the AP is raised. This can happen if the patient's agitation is attributed to a worsening of their 'underlying condition.' This is particularly likely to happen in people who cannot describe how they're feeling eg. people with dementia, delirium, the final stages of a terminal illness, people who can't speak English etc.
>At least I know that if it gets BAAAD I can just stop taking it.
You may need to reduce the dose of Abilify. Alternatively, there are other APs available.
>Have you ever taken procyclidine or any of the drugs like that?
No. My akathisia was treated with diazepam (Valium). I needed 60mg (twelve 5mg tablets) in the space of a few hours! In an emergency, if you don't have any procyclidine you can take diphenhydramine instead. You can buy it without a prescription from a pharmacy, the brand name is Nytol (NOT Nytol Herbal!) In some countries the brand name is Benadryl. DO NOT BUY Benadryl!!!!!!!! In the UK, the brand name Benadryl is used for a DIFFERENT drug!!!!!! Nytol is what you want, don't tell them it's for akathisia or else they won't sell it, you can only sell it for insomnia!
>I am in bliss right now!
Is the procyclidine making you euphoric? It can do. Perhaps you only need 2.5mg doses.
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:454871
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050207/msgs/454909.html