The Effectiveness of Rivastigmine in Reducing Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of rivastigmine on reducing tardive dyskinesia (TD) symptoms in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic treatment. Forty male patients with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia symptoms [based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. ed., Text Revision (DSM- IV-TR) criteria] hospitalized in Razi Psychiatric Hospital with a stable mental status within a month prior to the study were selected using convenience sampling. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups each with 20 individuals; one group received placebo and the other rivastigmine. At the beginning of the study and after eight weeks, severity of symptoms of TD was assessed by Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Data analysis was done by analysis of covariance. There were significant difference between posttest mean scores of the two groups (p<0.05). Rivastigmine is effective in reducing TD symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.