Pathophysiology and management of Akathisia 70 years after the introduction of the chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic.

Objective: Akathisia is among the most troubling effects of psychiatric drugs as it is associated with significant distress on behalf of the patients, and it limits treatment adherence. Though it most commonly presents during treatment with antipsychotic drugs which block dopamine D2 receptors, Akathisia has also been reported during treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), stimulants, mirtazapine, tetrabenazine and other drugs.

Materials And Methods: This article was designed as a narrative review on akathisia with a focus on its clinical presentation, pathophysiology and management.