Clozapine efficacy in tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenic patients.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a long-term severe complication of antipsychotic treatment, with mean prevalence of 20-35%. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of clozapine in severe TD. In an open trial seven patients with schizophrenia and severe TD were given clozapine for 6 months. Tardive dyskinesia severity was evaluated with AIMS and ESRS and schizophrenic psychopathology with PANSS. Clozapine mean dose at the end of the study was 392.86 mg/day. A mean reduction of 52% was observed in ESRS scores for TD. Two patients also had dystonic movements, and there was 50% reduction in one of them and complete remission in the other. There was also a 27% mean reduction in PANSS scores. Clozapine seems to be an alternative in the treatment of schizophrenic patients with severe TD.
Bassitt
D P
DP
Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brasil. dbassit@amcham.com.br
Louzã Neto
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine