Randomized Controlled Trial of Pyridoxine for Tardive Dyskinesia

Purpose: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a involuntary movement disorder that can occur following long term treatment with antipsychotic medications and for which few treatment options exist. This study will test the efficacy of pyridoxine (also known as vitamin B6) for TD. This will be an 8 week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial measuring the effect of pyridoxine 400 mg/day on the severity of involuntary muscle movements in people who meet Schooler-Kane criteria for TD. Participants: Approximately 50 subjects will be recruited from the UNC Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program (STEP) and other local psychiatric clinics. Procedures (methods): Symptoms of TD will be assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Pharmacological Intervention: All participants who meet entry criteria will be randomized to one of two treatment groups: pyridoxine or placebo.