[Treatment of tardive syndromes]

Abstract

Tardive syndromes associated with dopamine-receptor blocking agents have heterogeneous appearance. The treatment of tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, myoclonus, tourettism, tremor and akathisia is challenging for both psychiatrists and neurologists. Lack of randomized and controlled examinations for many routinely applied clinical therapeutic options make the development of clinical guidelines difficult. The present review article summarizes the available evidence for the treatment of tardive syndromes. According to the treatment guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology in 2013, the usage of clonazepam, ginkgo biloba, amantadine and tetrabenazine has enough evidence to draw conclusions. Although lowering or stopping the eliciting agent, changing to atypical antipsychotics, and adding anticholinergics are widely used techniques, there are no convincing controlled studies available to support their efficacy. The usage of Vitamin E, levetiracetam, propranolol, botulinum toxin and deep brain stimulation may be promising treatment options in the future.