Neuroleptics in the treatment of TS

• The neuroleptic drugs often used to treat 'tics' & other symptoms in TS, work by reducing dopamine-mediated neural transmission

• Side-effects of neuroleptic drugs include reduced concentration, cognitive blunting & less frequently, tardive dyskinesia

• The 'typical' neuroleptic, haloperidol may give rise to dystonia (stiffness), rigidity, tremor, sedation & low mood (depression)

• Newer 'atypical' neuroleptics such as risperidone, tend to produce less side-effects than earlier 'typical' neuroleptics such as haloperidol
• Some individuals with Tourette Syndrome choose not to take neuroleptic medications, such as risperidol and pimozide, long-term due to weight gain and drowsiness