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Antipsychotic Drug-Induced Dysphoria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

D. J. King ,
M. Burke  and
R. A. Lucas
D. J. King*
Affiliation:
The Queen's University of Belfast and Holywell Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland
M. Burke
Affiliation:
Harris Laboratories, Belfast
R. A. Lucas
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Centre Ltd, Windlesham, Surrey
*
Dr King, Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL
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Abstract

Background

Dysphoric reactions to antipsychotic medication are well recognised in association with akathisia, but can also occur independently.

Method

Fifty-one healthy volunteers were given haloperidol 5 mg in two consecutive pharmacokinetic studies.

Results

Dysphoria occurred in about 40% of the subjects on both occasions, but akathisia was only detected in 8% (first study) and 16% (second study). All adverse effects were transient and were abolished in nine of the ten subjects given procyclidine.

Conclusions

While dysphoria is a well-recognised reaction in healthy volunteers, it is probably insufficiently recognised in patients, particularly if it occurs in the absence of akathisia. Better detection could improve compliance in patients.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 4 , October 1995 , pp. 480 - 482
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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