Resolution of Tardive Dyskinesia Following a Switch from Long-Acting Injectable Risperidone to Aripiprazole

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a serious neurological side effect of antipsychotics. Dopaminergic hypersensitivity mediated by the upregulation of the D2 receptor with prolonged dopamine blockade is thought to play a key role in the development of neurolepticinduced TD. Aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist, causes little dopamine up-regulation; therefore, it may be associated with a lower risk of TD. We present a literature review and a case in which a schizophrenic patient developed TD while using longacting injectable risperidone, which was completely resolved following a switch to aripiprazole. The resolution of TD in this patient was sustained during 22 months of follow-up treatment with aripiprazole. Aripiprazole may be an effective treatment option for patients who suffer from neuroleptic-induced TD.