Jul
Pain in my legs after taking anti-psychotics?
I’ve psychosis (stress induced) and I'm hospitalised for it- I'm 15 years old- and after taking antipsychotics (called Abilifay or something..) gave me an unbearable restless pain in my legs, also I'm feeling very exhausted but unable to sleep because I'm feeling restless… Can someone tell what I have the ability to do about this and/or if you’ve taken antipsychotics, I need advise fast because my legs really injured and I'm at home now and I have the ability to only see a physician tomorrow…Any advise or help because I can't take this restless pain much longer???
Answer:
Hi. I am very sorry to hear about your problems. Abilify is usually used for bipolar disorder (manic depression). I guess it can be used for other problems as well. This med can definitely cause the restlessness and insomnia you wrote about. The internet site I looked at mentioned restlessness but did not use the word “pain.” However, I guess that if your legs are so restless, it can get painful.
Even though you are only 15, you’ve the right to complain about the restlessness to your doctor. He has the ability to reduce the dosage or he has the ability to switch you to a different medication. There are several psychiatric meds. If one doesn't work, your doctor can give you something better.
I am not a physician, but it sounds like what you’ve at the moment is what doctors call akathisia. It is listed as a side effect of abilify. This is what an world wide web site said:
Akathisia: A movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion as well as by actions such as rocking while standing or sitting, lifting the feet as if marching on the spot and crossing and uncrossing the legs while sitting. People with akathisia are unable to sit or keep still, complain of restlessness, fidget, rock from foot to foot, and pace.