Use of the selective serotonin 3 receptor antagonist ondansetron in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia

Abstract

Objective: The authors examined the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of ondansetron, a selective serotonin 3 receptor antagonist, in patients with tardive dyskinesia.

Method: Twenty patients with schizophrenia who had neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia were given 12 mg/day of ondansetron for 12 weeks in an open-label study.

Results: Administration of ondansetron resulted in a statistically significant improvement in tardive dyskinesia and psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions: Ondansetron may be an effective and safe therapy to control tardive dyskinesia and psychosis in patients with schizophrenia.