Asenapine-induced restless legs syndrome: differentiation from akathisia

J Clin Sleep Med. 2014 Dec 15;10(12):1341-2. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.4296.

Abstract

Akathisia and restless legs syndrome (RLS) share some common clinical features and a common relationship with dopamine dysfunction. However, the underlying causes and appropriate treatments for akathisia and RLS are different. Herein we describe a case of RLS that was precipitated by a single dose of asenapine, which is an atypical antipsychotic, and dissect the features that support the contention that this was indeed a case of RLS and not akathisia.

Keywords: akathisia; asenapine; restless leg syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dibenzocycloheptenes
  • Female
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychomotor Agitation
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dibenzocycloheptenes
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings
  • asenapine