Metoclopramide Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia

Five patients with tardive dyskinesia (average age, 64 years) were treated with a central dopamine blocking agent, metoclopramide hydrochloride. The duration of symptoms ranged from four to 30 months. A pretreatment disability score was graded (0 to 4) for buccolingual, extremity, and truncal movements and for duration of tongue protrusion. A 59% improvement was achieved in total disability scores. Tongue protrusion demonstrated the most noticeable improvement. The average daily dosage ranged from a minimum of 20 mg to a maximum of 80 mg given in divided doses. Duration of follow-up ranged from three to eight months. Preliminary data suggest that metoclopramide may be effective in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. ( JAMA 1981;246:1934-1935)