J Shapleske1, A P Mickay, P J Mckenna. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College School of Medicine & Dentistry, London.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tardive dystonia is an uncommon complication of neuroleptic treatment which is frequently disabling and poorly responsive to treatment. METHOD: The case is reported of a 28-year-old patient with schizophrenia who developed severe, generalised tardive dystonia after five years of neuroleptic treatment. Stopping neuroleptic medication and treatment with tetrabenazine, an anticholinergic and a benzodiazepine were ineffective. Treatment with clozapine and then the novel combination of clozapine plus clonazepam was instituted. RESULTS: Treatment with clozapine alone brought about limited improvement. Addition of clonazepam resulted in virtually complete disappearance of all abnormal movements. This remission has been sustained for nearly two years. CONCLUSIONS: This report adds to two other cases suggesting that the combination of clozapine and clonazepam may be an effective treatment for tardive dystonia.
BACKGROUND:Tardive dystonia is an uncommon complication of neuroleptic treatment which is frequently disabling and poorly responsive to treatment. METHOD: The case is reported of a 28-year-old patient with schizophrenia who developed severe, generalised tardive dystonia after five years of neuroleptic treatment. Stopping neuroleptic medication and treatment with tetrabenazine, an anticholinergic and a benzodiazepine were ineffective. Treatment with clozapine and then the novel combination of clozapine plus clonazepam was instituted. RESULTS: Treatment with clozapine alone brought about limited improvement. Addition of clonazepam resulted in virtually complete disappearance of all abnormal movements. This remission has been sustained for nearly two years. CONCLUSIONS: This report adds to two other cases suggesting that the combination of clozapine and clonazepam may be an effective treatment for tardive dystonia.
Authors: Beata J Havaki-Kontaxaki; Vassilis P Kontaxakis; Maria M Margariti; Konstantinos G Paplos; George N Christodoulou Journal: Ann Gen Hosp Psychiatry Date: 2003-10-17