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Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

LJC1Contributor30 Mar 2018, 12:38 pm AEDT

Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a side effect from any antipsychotic medication? I feel that since being on it, I can’t stop feeling anxious and moving around. Has anyone else found anxiety to be a side effect? Thanks

4 replies

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In response to: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

QueenieSenior Contributor30 Mar 2018, 5:16 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

I'm on quite a heavy dose of antipsychotic medication and have always lived with anxiety to some degree @LJC1. In the last little while, my anxiety has grown, but I think that is more about what is currently happening in my life rather than the medications. I notice you mention you can't stop moving around. Have you ever thought it could be akathisia? Akathisia is a movement disorder in which you cannot stop moving and is often brought about by antipsychotic use. Might be worthwhile talking to your doc I think.

In response to: Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

MazaritaSenior Contributor30 Mar 2018, 5:27 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

Hi @LJC1. Also suggesting, as @Queenie said, that it could be an agitation side effect of some kind. If you have a psychiatrist, they would be best to discuss it with, or GP, I think. Sounds uncomfortable.

I take an anti-psychotic medication too. If my dose goes any higher, I get a speech impediment.

Anxiety I've lived with ever since I can remember. I don't think it is worse in my case for the medication. If anything, the anti-psychotic medication has stopped my anger flying off the handle at times.

In response to: Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

LJC1Contributor30 Mar 2018, 5:39 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

Thanks Queenie. I do think it could be akathisia. I will talk to my gp when i see her next and see if there is anything we can do. I am due to come off them in about two months so will have to see how that goes

In response to: Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

LJC1Contributor30 Mar 2018, 6:08 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and anyipsychotic meds

Thanks Mazariita. I do feel agitated and am unable to sit still for very long. Anxiety has been around for a long time but seems to have gotten worse in the past few months (since going on the anti psychotic meds). Thanks for sharing

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