Central action beta-blockers versus placebo for neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia

Barnes TRE, Soares-Weiser K, Bacaltchuk J

Published Online:

May 12, 2010

Akathisia is recognised as one of the most common and distressing of the early-onset adverse effects of neuroleptic drugs. This movement disorder is characterised by a subjective report of inner restlessness, mental unease or dysphoria, which can be intense.

This review highlights the limited evidence available to support the use of central action beta-blockers for neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is a common, distressing early-onset adverse effect of neuroleptic drugs. It has been associated with poor treatment compliance and an increased risk of relapse.

Objectives:

To determine the effects of central action beta-blockers compared with placebo for people with neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia.

Search strategy:

We updated previous searches of the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Register (May 1999), Biological Abstracts (January 1982-March 1999), The Cochrane Library (issue 3 1999), EMBASE (January 1980-March 1999), LILACS (January 1982-March 1999), MEDLINE (January 1964-March 1999), PsycLIT (January 1974-March 1999), and SCISEARCH by searching the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Register (November 2003). We sought further references from published trials and their authors.

Selection criteria:

We included all randomised controlled clinical trials of central action beta-blockers versus placebo for people with neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia.

Data collection and analysis:

Working independently, we selected and critically appraised studies, extracted data and analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Where possible and appropriate we calculated risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the number needed to treat (NNT). For continuous data we calculated Weighted Mean Differences (WMD).

Main results:

We identified three randomised controlled trials (total n=51, maximum duration 72 hours). We were not able to draw any firm conclusions from such a small data set. In the two 48 hour studies no-one experienced full remission of akathisia, and only one person in each group experienced a 50% remission (n=11, 1 RCT, RR 1.04 CI 0.59 -1.83). One trial stated that no adverse effects occurred in the two groups (n=20, 1 RCT, RR not estimable). The 72 hour study did not show any statistical difference between the central acting beta-blocker (ICI 118,551) and placebo for the outcome 'no change/worse' (n=10, RR 0.22 CI 0.0 to 1.5).

Authors' conclusions:

There are insufficient data to recommend beta-blocking drugs for akathisia. These drugs are experimental for this problem, and this review highlights the need for more evaluative studies.

This record should be cited as:

Barnes TRE, Soares-Weiser K, Bacaltchuk J. Central action beta-blockers versus placebo for neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001946. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001946.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

August 4, 2004

Health topics:

Mental health > Schizophrenia & psychosis > Antipsychotic medication: other

Cochrane Summaries

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Central action beta-blockers versus placebo for neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia

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