Low-dose clozapine improves dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease.
The severity of parkinsonian motor disability and dyskinesias was evaluated in seven levodopa-responsive patients with Parkinson's disease after an acute challenge with the mixed dopamine agonist apomorphine, before and after low-dose clozapine (50 mg) for 18 +/- 2 days. There was a significant 59% improvement (p < 0.05) of apomorphine-induced dyskinesias without aggravation of parkinsonian motor disability following clozapine treatment. The results suggest that low-dose clozapine, already shown to improve psychotic symptoms, may help to reduce severe levodopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian patients.
Durif
F
F
Department of Neurology, Fontmaure Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, INSERM U 289, Paris, France.
Vidailhet
M
M
Assal
F
F
Roche
C
C
Bonnet
A M
AM
Agid
Y
Y
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine