Nicotine and cannabinoids as adjuncts to neuroleptics in the treatment of Tourette syndrome and other motor disorders

Life Sci. 1989;44(21):1521-5. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(89)90444-x.

Abstract

Animal studies suggest nicotine and cannabinoids may significantly enhance the therapeutic value of neuroleptics in motor disorders. This was recently demonstrated in humans by the finding that chewing nicotine gum produced striking relief from tics and other symptoms of Tourette syndrome not controlled by neuroleptic treatment alone. It appears that the use of nicotine or cannabinoids may greatly improve the clinical response to neuroleptics in motor disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cannabinoids / administration & dosage
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nicotine / administration & dosage
  • Nicotine / therapeutic use*
  • Tourette Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cannabinoids
  • Nicotine