Aripiprazole in the treatment of paliperidone-induced tardive dyskinesia

Abstract

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially serious and irreversible side effect of anti-psychotic medications. It is characterized by choreiform movements, or rhythmic abnormal involuntary movements of the face, mouth, tongue, trunk, and limbs. Although no reliable treatment for TD exists, atypical anti-psychotics are associated with a significantly lower incidence of TD than typical anti-psychotics. Recent reports suggest that atypical anti-psychotics may have a beneficial effect on TD remission. We present a case of severe oro-bucco-lingual TD, which was effectively managed with aripiprazole.

Keywords

• Anti-psychotics
• aripiprazole
• tardive dyskinesia