Potential problem with akathisia.

According to Larry Ereshefsky, Pharm.D., professor of pharmacy, pharmacology and psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the novel partial dopamine agonist mechanism of action augments the 5-Htla and 5-HT2 effects of aripiprazole. "These effects should lead to greater dopaminergic throughput and cortical activity which is good for thinking," says Ereshefsky. "But it also might possibly explain the increased rates of akathisia at the middle doses (15 mg/d) in some studies. There is clearly a greater effect on the Barnes akathisia scale than from risperidone, and about half the effect of haloperidol." Ereshefsy adds, "Akathisia is a potential side effect which bares further evaluation in long-term studies to see whether it abates."
(Akathisia is having a feeling of inner restlessness and the urge to move, rocking while standing or sitting, lifting of the feet as if marching on the spot, and crossing and uncrossing of the legs while sitting.)
*Article from Psychopharmacology Update published February 2002.