Antipsychotic drug-induced dysphoria.

Author(s): King DJ, Burke M, Lucas RA

Affiliation(s): Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, Queen's University of Belfast.

Publication date & source: 1995-10, Br J Psychiatry., 167(4):480-2.

Publication type:

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-recognized 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.