Propranolol in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia

Fourteen patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia were treated with propranolol in an open trial. All patients demonstrated substantial improvement of their akathisia; nine of the 14 obtained complete remission. Response was quite rapid, occurring within 24 hours in most cases. Doses required for improvement were low (30-80 mg/day), and side effects were few. Lithium-induced tremor improved considerably, but symptoms of parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia showed little change. Preliminary results with certain other beta blockers suggest that they are less effective than propranolol in the treatment of akathisia.