Levetiracetam in Tardive Dyskinesia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 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.