Low-dose clozapine improves dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease

Neurology. 1997 Mar;48(3):658-62. doi: 10.1212/wnl.48.3.658.

Abstract

The severity of parkinsonian motor disability and dyskinesias was evaluated in seven levodopa-responsive patients with Parkinson's disease after an acute challenge with the mixed dopamine agonist apomorphine, before and after low-dose clozapine (50 mg) for 18 +/- 2 days. There was a significant 59% improvement (p < 0.05) of apomorphine-induced dyskinesias without aggravation of parkinsonian motor disability following clozapine treatment. The results suggest that low-dose clozapine, already shown to improve psychotic symptoms, may help to reduce severe levodopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian patients.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine