Positive Health Online

Abstract

BOOMERSHINE and colleagues, Trident Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29406 USA. kelliehage@aol.com review (27 references) the efficacy of vitamin E in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD) .

Background

Methodology

The authors identified published articles and abstracts in English from January 1986 to March 1999 using MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Keywords used were vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol and tardive dyskinesia. Additional articles were identified from references of the retrieved articles and cross-referencing of selected articles. All clinical trials which evaluated the use of vitamin E in human subjects with TD were reviewed.

Results

TD occurs in approximately 20% of patients treated with neuroleptics. The resulting dyskinesias can be irreversible and are often psychologically and physically debilitating. Recent research suggests that TD may be a result of neuronal damage inflicted by free radicals generated from increased neurotransmitter turnover and metabolism. Vitamin E has been evaluated in the treatment of TD, in its role as a naturally occurring free radical scavenger. 18 completed trials were available either in completed or abstract form. 12 of these trials produced positive results with vitamin E in the treatment of TD . Patients with TD for less than 5 years appeared to respond better than those with long-standing TD.

Conclusion

Vitamin E offers benefit in the management of a subgroup of patients with TD; however, further research is required to ascertain continued efficacy with long-term use, as well as to ascertain the role of vitamin E in TD prophylaxis.

References

Boomershine KH et al. Vitamin E in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. The annals of Pharmacotherapy 33(11): 1195-202. Nov 1999.