Current pharmacotherapy for tic disorders.

: Though many unanswered questions about the pathophysiology of Tourette Syndrome remain, several pharmacotherapies for tics have been studied, with varying results in terms of efficacy and the strength of evidence.: This literature review encompasses pharmacotherapies for tics. The pharmacotherapies discussed in this review include: alpha agonists, antipsychotics, topiramate, botulinum toxin, and dopamine depleters.: Once the presence of tics is confirmed and psychoeducation and support are provided to patients and caregivers, one must examine the degree of tic-related impairment and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities. These factors influence treatment decisions as the presence of comorbidity and related impairment may shift the treatment target. When selecting a medication for tics, the presence of ADHD (the most frequent comorbidity) strengthens the case for choosing an alpha agonist. The case for antipsychotic medications is strongest when tic-related impairment is severe and/or the tics are refractory to more conservative measures. All medications require drug safety monitoring procedures and reevaluation over time.