Levetiracetam in tardive dyskinesia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levetiracetam on tardive dyskinesia (TD), which is known to be a major limitation of chronic antipsychotic drug therapy, particularly with conventional antipsychotics.


METHODS
Sixteen patients suffering from chronic psychosis with TD were enrolled consecutively. Levetiracetam was given in gradually increasing doses, starting with 125 twice a day until the best clinical benefit was achieved (mean dosage, 2,290 mg; range, 1,000-3,000 mg). Tardive dyskinesia was assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale at baseline and after 1 month and 3 months of treatment with levetiracetam.


RESULTS
Compared with baseline, there was a significant improvement in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score after 1 month still present after 3 months (P < 0.001). All patients well tolerated levetiracetam, except one who dropped out of the trial after the first 2 weeks owing to excessive drowsiness.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this open-label observational study suggest that levetiracetam is a well-tolerated drug and effectively controls TD.
Meco
Giuseppe
G
Department of Neurological Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. giuseppe.meco@uniroma1.it
Fabrizio
Edito
E
Epifanio
Antonio
A
Morgante
Francesca
F
Valente
Marcella
M
Vanacore
Nicola
N
Di Rosa
Antonio E
AE
Morgante
Letterio
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam