Comparison of propranolol, sotalol, and betaxolol in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia

Abstract

In earlier open studies, .beta.-blockers were found to be effective in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia. In the present study, 16 patients with severe neuroleptic-induced akathisia successively received low doses of three .beta.-blockers.sbd.propranolol, sotalol, and betaxolol. There was rapid and complete improvement in seven of 16 patients (and partial improvement in three patients) treated with propranolol and in all four patients treated with betaxolol. The efficacy of propranolol and betaxolol and failure of sotalol in treating neuroleptic-induced akathisia suggest a central mechanism of action.