Nifedipine improves coexistent tardive dyskinesia and hypertension Eight patients aged 77-86 years, with neuroleptic­induced tardive dyskinesia, 3 of whom also had essential hypertension, received nifedipine in dosages titrated according to response. Marked improvement in dyskinetic movements occurred in all patients and overall improvement was sustained for 4-8 months. Five patients discontinued therapy because of intolerable hypotensive effects (n =3) and worsening hostility in schizophrenia (2). In the remaining 3 patients, hypertension was effectively controlled, improvement in tardive dyskinesia was sustained and psychiatric condition was improved.

Thus, 'for the elderly . .. the currently available calcium channel blockers cannot be endorsed as safe treatment for tardive dyskinesia. _ .' however. In cases of concurrent cardiovascular conditions '. - - judicious use of a calcium channel blocker may be considered'. Kushnir SL. Ratner JT Calcium channel blockers for lard,ve dyskineSia In genatnc psychlatnc patients Amencan Journal of PS, ch,atry 146 1218·1219 Sep 1989 '03'

10 INPHARAfA" 16 Sep 1989 0156-2703/89/0916-0010/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press