title: Adverse effects of antiparkinson drug withdrawal.
abstract: The authors conducted a double-blind, controlled study to test the behavioral, affective, and neurological effects of antiparkinson drug discontinuation. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks. Of 24 placebo patients 9 left the study early because of adverse effects; none of the 8 patients in the antiparkinsonian group did so. The placebo group had significantly more lower extremity movements, motor agitation, hallucinations, and physical complaints at 2 weeks and scored significantly higher in depression at 4 weeks. A sizable proportion of chronic, drug-treated schizophrenic patients appear to need antiparkinsonians for clinical stability.
mesh_terms: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001590:Benztropine / Q000009:adverse effects; D001712:Biperiden / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D014282:Trihexyphenidyl / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001712:Biperiden; D001590:Benztropine; D014282:Trihexyphenidyl