Effect of piracetam in Huntington's chorea.

Piracetam has been described to improve neuroleptic-induced acute extrapyramidal syndrome where a central dopaminergic hyperactivity is implicated. In Huntington's chorea, this abnormality is also generally admitted, at least functionally. Therefore the authors have utilized piracetam in this disease. The drug was administered intravenously in a double-blind study to 6 patients. Piracetam worsened choreic movements. This result is discussed in relation to the pharmacological properties of the drug.