Incidence of antiemetic-induced akathisia in patients at a comprehensive cancer center.

Introduction: Akathisia is a common and severely disabling medication-induced movement disorder. The condition is often missed, and patients suffer for a long time until diagnosed and managed properly. It is important to bring awareness to the clinicians for early detection and management of akathisia.

Methods: We reviewed a 4-year record of patients seen at a comprehensive cancer center for anxiety and restlessness. Patients diagnosed with akathisia and the medications causing akathisia were identified. Management of akathisia is discussed.

Results: The results showed that 4.7% of patients developed akathisia while taking antiemetic agents to control chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting. Early detection and management of akathisia resulted in quick recovery and reduced patients' suffering.

Conclusion: Akathisia is an unpleasant feeling of motor restlessness with anxiety. Clinicians need to have a full understanding to identify the subtle difference between functional anxiety and akathisia.