Clozapine Treatment for Neuroleptic-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia, Parkinsonism, and Chronic Akathisia in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Relatively low doses of clozapine are effective for the treatment of neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal syndromes in neuroleptic-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients. The relief of tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, and chronic akathisia in this group of patients occurs more rapidly than the reduction in psychotic symptoms. Disturbing, long-term extrapyramidal syndromes in chronic schizophrenic patients should be considered an indication for clozapine treatment.