[Current data on neurologic sequelae caused by neuroleptics]

The neurological effects of neuroleptic drugs are well known from the very beginning of their history and are even part of the initial definition of this therapeutic class. However, these effects are not necessary for an antipsychotic efficacy as demonstrated by the fully effective "atypical" neuroleptics, which induce minimal neurological side-effects. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying this "atypicity" are not well elucidated but could involve a preferential action on mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. This preferential action on mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. This specificity of action seem especially interesting in the case of patients suffering of severe tardive dyskinesia. Hence, the absence of rebond of preexistent dyskinesia when stopping a long term treatment with clozapine suggest that the pursuit of neuroleptic with this substance in dyskinetic patients would not worsen the long term prognosis of their dyskinesia. Available data on other atypical neuroleptics are insufficient to conclude if this benefit action on tardive dyskinesia is specific of clozapine or shared with other new neuroleptics.