Case study: long-term potentiation of neuroleptics with transdermal nicotine in Tourette's syndrome.
Sixteen Tourette's syndrome patients, aged 9 to 15 years, whose symptoms were not controlled with neuroleptics, were followed for various lengths of time after the application of a transdermal nicotine patch (TNP) (7 mg/24 hours) as part of an ongoing case study. While there was a broad range in individual response, application on the TNP produced significant reductions (p < .001) in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores relative to baseline, with an average duration of effect lasting between 1 and 2 weeks. Side effects, for the most part, were transient. Clinical implications for the use of TNP as an adjunct to neuroleptic treatment of Tourette's syndrome are discussed.
Silver
A A
AA
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
Shytle
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RD
Philipp
M K
MK
Sanberg
P R
PR
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009538:Nicotine