Tetrabenazine for tardive tremor in elderly adults: a prospective follow-up study

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2015 Jan-Feb;38(1):23-5. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000061.

Abstract

Tardive tremor (TT) is a rare neuroleptic-induced tardive syndrome. It is mainly postural and action associated rather than resting tremor without other parkinsonian features and resistant to most therapeutic interventions. Tetrabenazine (TBZ) is a possible option for treating TT.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of TBZ in elderly patients with TT. Patients (N = 10) received TBZ (25-150 mg/d) for 6 weeks. Five subjects completed the study. Mean TBZ dose at study end was 57.5 ± 37.3 mg/d. Mean Abnormal Involuntary Movement score was 13.3 ± 6.6, mean Tremor Scale score was 2.3 ± 0.9, mean Clinical Global Impression-Change was 3.6 ± 2.2, and mean Geriatric Depression Score was 5.2 ± 4.9; all not significantly changed from baseline. Five patients suffered side effects, including depression (n = 3), parkinsonism (n = 2), akathisia (n = 1), and mild stroke (n = 1).This prospective study does not support TBZ treatment for TT in elderly psychiatric patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tetrabenazine / therapeutic use*
  • Tremor / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Tetrabenazine