Current drug therapy for Tourette’s syndrome

ABSTRACT

Tourette’s syndrome is a tic disorder that is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Its onset is always in childhood, and severity can range from mild to marked. Behavior and learning problems are often associated with Tourette’s syndrome. Various medications may be used for symptomatic treatment, but no agent is effective in every case or is without potential side effects. T h e most commonly used medications include the neuroleptic agents haloperidol and pimozide. Alternatives of proven value include clonidine and clonazepam. Psychostimulant agents may be used to modify the associated attention-deficit disorder but can exacerbate tic problems in some children.