J Cannabis Ther 2002(3/4):143-152

Tourette Syndrome

Combined Treatment of Tourette Syndrome with Delta-9-THC and Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

Author
KR Müller-Vahl, U Schneider, HM Emrich

Abstract
Animal studies suggest that cannabinoid receptor agonists might enhance the effect of dopamine receptor antagonists (neuroleptics, NL) in hyperkinetic movement disorders. In Tourette syndrome, NL are the most effective drugs for the treatment of tics. Recent clinical trials demonstrated that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) also produces a tic-suppressing effect. In this single case study in a 24 years old female suffering from TS with extreme tics, it is suggested for the first time that delta-9-THC may be useful in augmenting the pharmacological response to atypical NL such as amisulpride and risperidone in TS patients. No serious adverse reactions occurred. Controlled studies are necessary to confirm this initial report.

Keywords
Tourette syndrome, tics, cannabis, THC, amisulpride, neuroleptics

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