Periodic limb movement disorder in neuroleptic-induced akathisia

Kobe J Med Sci. 1997 Oct;43(5):169-77.

Abstract

We recorded all-night polysomnograms of four schizophrenic patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA) before and during treatment with clonazepam. Also, four non-akathitic schizophrenic patients were recorded all-night polysomnograms as control subjects. Daily treatment with 1.5 to 3 mg clonazepam improved subjective complaints of all the 4 patients with NIA. Three of 4 patients with NIA exhibited periodic limb movements (PLM) on bilateral legs, but none of 4 control subjects showed PLM. Total number of PLM and PLM per hour decreased during clonazepam treatment. Moreover, mean inter-movement intervals of PLM of 3 patients were prolonged on bilateral legs. NIA might change its feature as PLM during night sleep.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced / diagnosis
  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced / drug therapy*
  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced / etiology
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clonazepam / administration & dosage*
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polysomnography
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / etiology
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clonazepam