Benzodiazepines have several advantages over other antidyskinetic drugs
in treating tardive dyskinesia. The authors conducted a controlled study of
clonazepam versus the active placebo of phenobarbital in 21 psychiatric
patients with tardive dyskinesia. Both drugs significantly reduced
dyskinetic movements: clonazepam had a stronger effect on orofacial
dyskinesia, and phenobarbital was more effective for limbs and axial
movements. Clonazepam was also more effective for drug-free patients and
those receiving low doses of neuroleptics than for all patients given
phenobarbital and for clonazepam patients taking high doses of
neuroleptics. The authors suggest that future treatment studies focus on
the effects of antidyskinetic drugs on distinct body regions.Abstract Teaser