Clonazepam, haloperidol, and clonidine in tic disorders

We reviewed the treatment outcomes of 81 patients with multifocal tic disorders followed in our movement disorders clinic. From the three drugs used, rank orders of effectiveness were haloperidol, clonazepam, and clonidine. Because of the risk of tardive dyskinesia, we suggest first a trial with clonazepam, later combined with clonidine if clonazepam alone is not effective. Haloperidol should be reserved for the most disabling cases, and given only after trials with both clonazepam and clonidine have failed.