akathisia

plural akathisias · alternative acathisia

1. countableuncountablemedicineA sensation of restlessness characterized by an inability to sit still/down or remain motionless/seated, arising from a subjective need or desire to move, often coinciding with the sensation of twitching of muscles, often as a side effect of psychiatric medications.

   Central Nervous System Effects: Neuromuscular (extrapyramidal) reactions: These are usually dosage-related and may be of three forms: (1) pseudoparkinsonism, (2) akathisia (motor restlessness), and (3) dystonias.

   1973, Arthur Osol, Robertson Pratt, The United States Dispensatory, volume 27, J.B. Lippincott Company, page 305

   1 more example

   Haskowic first described this condition last November and applied the term "Akathisia" to it. The subject can seat himself and remain seated a few minutes, but then the contortions begin, and unless he gets up he suffers actual torture.

   1903, American Medical Association, The Journal of the American Medical Association, volume 40, section 1, page 544