Some individuals have had some success with the medication haloperidol. This drug suppresses symptoms for many patients, but does not cure the condition. Clonazepam or clonidine may also be helpful. These two medications may offer fewer side effects than haloperidol. Patients with mild Tourette syndrome symptoms may be able to do without any medication.
All medication carries risks.
Individuals considering medication should ask their physicians about the medication's benefits, side effects and risks, and costs. The search for new, more effective medications is ongoing. Drugs are being tested that might help patients who do not respond to Haldol or who cannot tolerate the drug's side effects. Researchers are looking for a possible genetic link since it is known that families of Tourette syndrome patients have a higher than normal incidence of tics, and some families have more than one member suffering from the disorder. Studies of neurotransmitters and synaptogenisis delves into the chemistry of the brain, how it communicates and how it affects behavior.