Effect of clozapine on motor function in schizophrenic patients

Schizophr Res. 1996 May;20(1-2):187-98. doi: 10.1016/0920-9964(95)00085-2.

Abstract

It is well established that clozapine is less likely than typical antipsychotic drugs to cause clinically discernible extrapyramidal side-effects. There is a paucity of data, however, on clozapine's motor effects. In this report we compare normal controls to groups of chronic schizophrenic patients treated with either typical antipsychotic drugs or with clozapine. Motor function was measured with a target-matching task, a test relying on submaximal sustained force control. Results indicated that patients on clozapine performed with significantly lower accuracy (greater variability) of force control. Even though the clozapine patients were treatment resistant to typical antipsychotic drugs, and many had a history of tardive dyskinesia, we postulate that the observed deficit is likely due to clozapine treatment rather than to earlier treatments or other factors. The observed force control deficit may be the result of an increase in myoclonus and a generally lower level of overall motor activity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Hand Strength*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kinesthesis / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine