Dyskinésies tardives du sujet âgé : intérêt de la tétrabénazine

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), an iatrogenic syndrome of involuntary movements, has been one of the most limiting adverse effects associated with antipsychotic medication, especially in elderly patients. Type, cumulative amounts and length of neuroleptic exposure have been found to be factors related to increased prevalence of TD, as well as co-morbid factors. Several treatments have been proposed with variable efficacy. Tetrabenazine, a central monoaminergic depleter, may be an effective treatment when used with precaution concerning its neurological adverse events.