Successful psychotropic management of drug related psychosis in Parkinson's Disease

This study reports on the clinical effectiveness of the combined use of con ventional major tranquillisers and augmented levodopa dosage for the manage ment of paranoia, hallucinations and confusion in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), The medical records of patients admitted with PD and target symptoms were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 52 patients were treated over the 3 year period. Approximately 70% demonstrated an improvement in p sychotic symptoms, but only 54% could also maintain mobility. Side-effects occurred in 37% of patients and consisted of decreased mobility, excessive sedation and excessive salivation. The drop out rate on follow-up was 47% s o that at the end of the 3 year period 23 patients still remained on the ma jor tranquilliser from 44 patients who were discharged on a major tranquill iser, The effectiveness of this approach is similar to that published for a typical major tranquillisers; however, the tranquillisers used in this stud y do not carry the risks of serious side effects or high cost. (C) 1999 Har court Publishers Ltd.