Intermittent neuroleptic therapy and tardive dyskinesia: a literature review.

Many authorities advocate neuroleptic-free periods for patients on chronic neuroleptics as a means of reducing the incidence or severity of tardive dyskinesia. This practice continues, despite the absence of any controlled clinical studies showing that intermittent therapy reduces the incidence or progression of tardive dyskinesia. After reviewing the pertinent clinical and animal literature, the authors conclude that there are few data to support the use of intermittent therapy as a means of reducing tardive dyskinesia and, in fact, evidence suggests it may increase the risk of persistent tardive dyskinesia.