Case study: long-term potentiation of neuroleptics with transdermal nicotine in Tourette's syndrome

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1996 Dec;35(12):1631-6. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199612000-00015.

Abstract

Sixteen Tourette's syndrome patients, aged 9 to 15 years, whose symptoms were not controlled with neuroleptics, were followed for various lengths of time after the application of a transdermal nicotine patch (TNP) (7 mg/24 hours) as part of an ongoing case study. While there was a broad range in individual response, application on the TNP produced significant reductions (p < .001) in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores relative to baseline, with an average duration of effect lasting between 1 and 2 weeks. Side effects, for the most part, were transient. Clinical implications for the use of TNP as an adjunct to neuroleptic treatment of Tourette's syndrome are discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nicotine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Nicotine / therapeutic use
  • Tourette Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Nicotine