Use of the Selective Serotonin 3 Receptor Antagonist Ondansetron in the Treatment of Neuroleptic-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of ondansetron, a selective serotonin 3 receptor antagonist, in patients with tardive dyskinesia. METHOD: Twenty patients with schizophrenia who had neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia were given 12 mg/day of ondansetron for 12 weeks in an open-label study. RESULTS: Administration of ondansetron resulted in a statistically significant improvement in tardive dyskinesia and psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron may be an effective and safe therapy to control tardive dyskinesia and psychosis in patients with schizophrenia.