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Medications that can cause akathisia

Akathisia is often linked to medication exposure or withdrawal. It may happen after starting a medication, increasing or decreasing a dose, missing doses, stopping a medication, or when a dose wears off.

Medication groups linked with akathisia

  • Antipsychotics
  • Antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs
  • Anti-nausea medications, including metoclopramide
  • Some antibiotics
  • Benzodiazepine withdrawal or dose reduction
  • Opioid use or withdrawal
  • Stimulant or recreational drug use/withdrawal
  • Other medications or supplements

What to tell a clinician

Write down the medication name, dose, when it was started or changed, whether any doses were missed, and when the symptoms began.

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