A 19 - year - old boy suffering from chronic Schizophrenia is put on haloperidol at the dose of 20 mg/day. A week after the initiation of medication the patient shows restlessness, fidgetiness, irritability and cannot sit still at one place. The most appropriate treatment strategy is:
The history here is suggestive of akathisia AKATHASIA It is a subjectively unpleasant state of inner restlessness where there is a strong desire to move Signs and symptoms: foot stamping when seated constantly crossing/uncrossing legs rocking from foot to foot constantly pacing up and down Prevalence: Higher prevalence with typical antipsychotics Among atypical antipsychotics, most prevalent withAripiprazole Treatment: Beta blockers like propranolol (DOC) Anticholinergics and benzodiazepines can also be used
Increase in the dose of haloperidol
Addition of anticholinergic drug
Addition of beta blocker
Adding another antipsychotic drug
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders