Low dosage clozapine effects on L-dopa induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian patients

Objectives - The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic, on L-dopa induced dyskinesias of Parkinson's disease. Material and methods - In an open study, a group of 10 PD patients was treated with low dosage clozapine (mean 30 mg/day) for a 4-month period and L-dopa dyskinesias were evaluated in basal conditions and during clozapine treatment after the usual morning dose of clozapine. We utilized the AIMS for evaluation of dyskinesias and UPDRS for the assessment of motor performances. Results - Clozapine produced a significant (P<0.05) reduction of dyskinesias 1 week after the therapy onset. This effect was more pronounced at the end of the 2nd week and remained stable through the following months. We did not observe significant variations of motor performances. Conclusion - A low dose of clozapine appears to be beneficial for patients with L-dopa induced dyskinesias that do not respond to other drugs and therapeutic measures.