Clozapine in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced blepharospasm: a report of 4 cases.
BACKGROUND
Blepharospasm, the forcible closure of eyelids, is an infrequent consequence of neuroleptic treatment that, when severe, can interfere with the ability to walk, drive, or work. Like tardive dyskinesia, blepharospasm can be disfiguring and aesthetically distressing, contributing to the increased stigmatization of patients.


METHODS
We report 4 patients with DSM-IV schizoaffective disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, or chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia who developed neuroleptic-induced blepharospasm. In all patients, blepharospasm remitted without the reemergence of psychosis within 3 to 5 months of treatment with clozapine, 100-200 mg/day.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that clozapine may successfully treat neuroleptic-induced blepharospasm without the reemergence of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder.
Levin
H
H
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213-1444, USA.
Reddy
R
R
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine