A comparison of pimozide and haloperidol in the treatment of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, both pimozide and haloperidol significantly decreased tic frequency in nine patients with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. These findings are consistent with the catecholamine hypothesis of tic generation. Pimozide was associated with significantly fewer complaints of lethargy. Follow-up 4-20 months later showed that six of seven patients receiving pimozide and one of two receiving haloperidol had had greater than 75% improvement in symptoms.