Melatonin for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.
OBJECTIVE
To review the available literature regarding the use of melatonin in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD).


METHODS
Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1966-September 2002), PsycINFO (1967-September 2002), and references of relevant articles. Review articles, case reports/series, and animal and human studies were reviewed.


RESULTS
Melatonin has been investigated in TD based on its antioxidant properties. Animal studies and several human case series describe an association between melatonin and TD. Two recent, controlled studies evaluated the role of melatonin in the treatment of TD.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a paucity of data evaluating the use of melatonin in TD. Both of the controlled studies evaluating its use are limited by methodologic issues. Although the most recent trial did report a statistically significant improvement in TD with melatonin, these results are not considered to be clinically significant. There are inadequate data at the present time to support the use of melatonin in patients with TD.
Nelson
Leigh Anne
LA
St. Louis College of Pharmacy/St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
McGuire
J Michael
JM
Hausafus
Sarah N
SN
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000503:physiopathology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008550:Melatonin