Tourette's syndrome is a heritable neuropsychiatric disorder that begins in childhood. No
known medication suppresses tics completely, and the dopamine receptor
antagonists-haloperidol and pimozide-for Tourette's syndrome often either produce or
risk intolerable side effects that preclude their use. Clinical trials of risperidone, a
benzisoxazole derivative with potent 5-HT₂and D₂ receptor binding properties, have
indicated that it si a safe and effective alternative to haloperidol in the treatment of
schizophrenia. Fifty-four patients with Tourette's syndrome (n=20) and chronic motor or
vocal tic disorder (n=34) were recurited from the outpatient clinic of the psychiatry of
university. The research was started with 0.5 mg/d risperidone, haloperidol which was
increased based on the severity of symptoms. Severity of clinical symptoms were
assessed at baseline, 4, 8 and 16 weeks evaluation symptom using the Yale Global Tic
Severity scale. In conclusion, YGTSS scores of the two groups were significantly
improved at the end when compared with baseline. We did not find significant difference
in side effects between haloperidol and risperidone group. But, easy fatigue, acute
dystonia, constipation were less reported in risperidone group. As a result, the treatment
of both groups demonstrated significant improvement on the severity of tic symptoms 8,
16 weeks later.
|