Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:1567-1571
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Adverse effects of antiparkinson drug withdrawal
T Jellinek, G Gardos and JO Cole
The authors conducted a double-blind, controlled study to test the
behavioral, affective, and neurological effects of antiparkinson drug
discontinuation. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks.
Of 24 placebo patients 9 left the study early because of adverse effects;
none of the 8 patients in the antiparkinsonian group did so. The placebo
group had significantly more lower extremity movements, motor agitation,
hallucinations, and physical complaints at 2 weeks and scored significantly
higher in depression at 4 weeks. A sizable proportion of chronic,
drug-treated schizophrenic patients appear to need antiparkinsonians for
clinical stability.
