How To Treat Tourette Syndrome

Medications To Lessen Dopamine

The cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, but it's possible the tics are related to an excess of dopamine in the brain. Certain medications that lessen dopamine have shown promising results in research. Some of the most common medications are haloperidol, fluphenazine, risperidone, and pimozide. The most typical side effect is weight gain, though the medications might make repetitive movement tics worse. Depending on the patient, doctors might recommend tetrabenazine, but this medication should be prescribed with caution because it can result in serious depression.

In addition, central adrenergic inhibitors like guanfacine and clonidine could help with behavioral problems like rage attacks and impulse control issues. For patients whose Tourette syndrome occurs alongside a mood or anxiety disorder, antidepressants may help with symptoms of anxiety and sadness. Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder might also help with focus and concentration, which can lessen tics in some patients. However, others experienced increased tics when taking stimulant ADHD medications.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a treatment that may be used for severe tics when medications don't help. With deep brain stimulation, a battery-operated device is implanted into the brain and used to deliver electrical stimulation to certain areas responsible for movement. The theory is this can reduce tics by regulating electrical activity in the brain and smoothing the impulse for uncontrolled movement.

Deep brain stimulation therapy is still in the early stages of research, and more studies need to be done to determine whether the treatment is effective and safe for Tourette syndrome patients. Individuals who have severe, medication-resistant tics that cause them significant pain and distress may want to enroll in a study, but it's best to explore medication-related options first.