Very Low-Dose Mirtazapine (7.5 mg) in Treatment of Acute Antipsychotic-Associated Akathisia

Background Some evidence suggests that off-label use of mirtazapine (15 mg) is effective in treatment of acute antipsychotic-associated akathisia (AAA). We analyzed whether a lower dose of mirtazapine (7.5 mg) maintained its antiakathisia properties while exhibiting better tolerability in patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders who developed acute AAA. Methods Medical charts were retrospectively evaluated for 12 patients with AAA. All scored at least 2 (mild akathisia) on the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) and were treated with mirtazapine (7.5 mg) for a mean of 10.3 days. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in the BARS subjective, distress, and global (P
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Brief Reports Source Type: research