Low-dose clozapine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in a patient with schizophrenia.
Clozapine is known to be beneficial for the treatment of dopamine agonist-induced psychotic states in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Many reports have suggested that it may also be efficacious for the treatment of parkinsonian tremor. We describe a patient with schizophrenia in whom early-onset PD appeared after treatment with antipsychotic drugs. When the parkinsonian symptoms proved resistant to anticholinergic agents, we introduced a trial with up to 50 mg clozapine daily, which yielded a prompt and dramatic response. Thereafter, the parkinsonian symptoms reappeared each time the patient discontinued clozapine and rapidly disappeared on its repeat initiation. There was also a marked improvement in his psychotic and depressive symptoms. This report suggests that some patients with concomitant schizophrenia and PD-a difficult treatment challenge-may benefit from clozapine treatment alone for both disorders.
Orr
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Geha Psychiatric Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Munitz
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H
Hermesh
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H
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine