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de Bartolomeis A, Ciccarelli M, Vellucci L, Fornaro M, Iasevoli F, Barone A. Update on novel antipsychotics and pharmacological strategies for treatment resistant schizophrenia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:2035-2052. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2145884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Ciccarelli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Campana M, Falkai P, Siskind D, Hasan A, Wagner E. Characteristics and definitions of ultra-treatment-resistant schizophrenia - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2021; 228:218-226. [PMID: 33454644 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to characterize ultra-treatment-resistant Schizophrenia also known as clozapine-resistant schizophrenia (CRS) patients across clozapine combination and augmentation trials through demographic and clinical baseline data. Furthermore, we investigated the variability and consistency in CRS definitions between studies. METHODS Systematic searches of articles indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PsycINFO were conducted in March 2020. 1541 randomized and non-randomized clinical trials investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological clozapine add-on strategies were screened and a total of 71 studies were included. The primary outcome was the overall symptom score at baseline, measured with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) total scores. RESULTS Data from 2731 patients were extracted. Patients were overall moderately ill with a mean PANSS total score at baseline of 79.16 (±7.52), a mean duration of illness of 14.64 (±4.14) years with a mean clozapine dose of 436.94 (±87.47) mg/day. Illness severity data were relatively homogenous among patients independently of the augmentation strategy involved, although stark geographical differences were found. Overall, studies showed a large heterogeneity of CRS definitions and insufficient guidelines implementation. CONCLUSIONS This first meta-analysis characterizing CRS patients and comparing CRS definitions revealed a lack of consistent implementation of a CRS definition from guidelines into clinical trials, compromising the replicability of the results and their applicability in clinical practice. We offer a new score modeled on a best practice definition to help future trials increase their reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Campana
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dan Siskind
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Elias Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Unresolved Issues for Utilization of Atypical Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic Polypharmacy and Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102174. [PMID: 29057817 PMCID: PMC5666855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) are the prevailing form of schizophrenia treatment today due to their low side effects and superior efficacy. Nevertheless, some issues still need to be addressed. First, there are still a large number of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which has led to a growing trend to resort to AAP polypharmacy with few side effects. Most clinical treatment guidelines recommend clozapine monotherapy in TRS, but around one third of schizophrenic patients fail to respond to clozapine. For these patients, with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia AAP polypharmacy is a common strategy with a continually growing evidence base. Second, AAP generally have great risks for developing metabolic syndrome, such as weight gain, abnormality in glucose, and lipid metabolism. These metabolic side effects have become huge stumbling blocks in today's schizophrenia treatment that aims to improve patients' quality of life as well as symptoms. The exact reasons why this particular syndrome occurs in patients treated with AAP is as yet unclear though factors such as interaction of AAP with neurotransmitter receptors, genetic pholymorphisms, type of AAPs, length of AAP use, and life style of schizophrenic patients that may contribute to its development. The present article aimed to review the evidence underlying these key issues and provide the most reasonable interpretations to expand the overall scope of antipsychotics usage.
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Abstract
Between one-third and one-half of the individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia remain actively ill despite optimal pharmacological treatment. These individuals tend to progressively deteriorate in terms of social and vocational functioning despite major public and private investments in their rehabilitation. For patients who do not respond to the first prescribed antipsychotic drug, current clinical practice is to switch to a second and a third drug, and eventually to clozapine, the only antipsychotic drug proven to be effective in treatment-refractory schizophrenia (TRS). Occasionally, two antipsychotics are given concomitantly or psychotropic drugs are added to antipsychotic drugs; however, very few empirical data exist to support this practice. Although there are many exceptions, patients who do not benefit from the first prescribed drug will not benefit from any pharmacological intervention. Therefore, efforts are under way to determine the reason for lack of response to available treatments and devise novel, more effective treatments. To be successful these efforts must result in a more specific definition of TRS, as well as in a better understanding of the illness pathophysiology and the mechanism of action of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Caspi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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López de Torre A, Lertxundi U, Hernández R, Medrano J. Antipsychotic polypharmacy: a needle in a haystack? Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2012; 34:423-32. [PMID: 22460003 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to assess the antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) prevalence in a psychiatric hospital and to find the supporting evidence for the 10 most prescribed two-drug combinations. Secondarily, how many included clozapine, prevalence in the elderly, high dosage and clinically relevant interactions were also assessed. METHOD Clinicodemographic and computerized prescription data on 29th March 2011 were collected. High dosage was defined as more than 1000 mg of chlorpromazine equivalents (CPZeqs). A t test for unpaired measures was applied to compare means of dosage (CPZeq) and age among patients on APP vs. monotherapy. The χ(2) test was applied to compare proportions of patients on a high dose on APP vs. monotherapy. GraphPad Prism 5 software was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS From 201 patients admitted on 29th March, 172 had any antipsychotic prescription. APP prevalence was 47.1%, corresponding almost to 24% of elderly patients. Quetiapine was the drug most prescribed in combination, achieving a prevalence rate of 56.8%. Clozapine was not included in 67% of all combinations. Supporting evidence for two-drug combinations was only found for 6 of the 10 most prescribed. Relevant interactions were found in 12 patients on APP. The mean CPZeq dose and percentage of patients on high dosage were significantly higher in the APP than in the monotherapy group (1162±776.1 mg vs. 455.4±369.3 mg; 54% vs. 9%, respectively; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that APP was being considered earlier in the management plan than what guidelines recommend. This practice was associated with higher total antipsychotic doses. Until further clinical trials are available, a wise APP practice will require a thoughtful choice of products guided by patient's prior history and interaction liability, a proper consent by the patients or their representatives and a careful monitoring of clinical outcomes and emerging side effects in order to avoid indefinite administration of ineffective and potentially harmful combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia López de Torre
- Pharmacy Service, Galdakao-Usansolo Hospital, Barrio Labeaga s/n, Galdakao, Basque Country, Spain.
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Porcelli S, Balzarro B, Serretti A. Clozapine resistance: augmentation strategies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:165-82. [PMID: 21906915 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine (CLZ) is not effective in more than 50% of treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. In these cases, several pharmacological strategies are used in clinical practice, with different levels of evidence for both safety and efficacy. OBJECTIVES In the present paper we critically reviewed literature data regarding the efficacy and safety of adjunctive agents in CLZ-resistant schizophrenics. The following classes of agents were considered: 1) antipsychotics, 2) antidepressants, 3) mood stabilizers, 4) other agents (e.g. fatty acid supplement and glutamatergic agents), 5) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For lamotrigine and risperidone sufficient data were available to perform a meta-analysis. METHODS A Medline literature search covering a 20-year period was performed. For the meta-analysis, data were entered and analyzed with the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan version 5). RESULTS 62 pertinent studies were identified, including 1556 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. Among treatments investigated, there is evidence for CLZ augmentation with 1) amisulpride and aripiprazole, 2) mirtazapine and 3) ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA). Although promising, ECT augmentation needs further validation. The meta-analyses did not support either the use of risperidone or lamotrigine as CLZ adjunct. CONCLUSION Overall, there is scarce evidence of efficacy and safety as regards adjunctive strategies for CLZ-resistant patients. However, several limitations do not allow to draw any definitive conclusion; among these we underline the small sample size of clinical trials, the variable definitions of CLZ resistance, the heterogeneity of outcome measures and methodological designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Porcelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Choi HJ, Jung SH, Kang MH, Lee JS, Bae JN, Kim CE. Antipsychotics prescribing patterns of patients with schizophrenia admitted to korean general hospital psychiatric unit: 2001 to 2008. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2011; 9:17-22. [PMID: 23430568 PMCID: PMC3568650 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2011.9.1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective Although the standard of treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic monotherapy, overall psychotropic polypharmacy including antipsychotic polypharmacy is increasingly practiced by clinicians. However, there are very few studies that assess the prescription patterns of psychotropic drugs for patients with schizophrenia in Korea. The objective of this study is to describe changes in prescription patterns with respect to antipsychotic polypharmacy and overall psychotropic polypharmacy. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed all psychotropic drugs prescribed at the time of discharge for patients diagnosed as having schizophrenia (DSM-IV criteria) who entered a psychiatric unit of a Korean general hospital from 2001 to 2008. These included a total of 467 patients. Results Of the 467 patients in this study, 205 (43.9%) were discharged with antipsychotic monotherapy and the rest, 262 (56.1%), were discharged with a polypharmacy regimen. A total of 9% of the studied patients received more than two antipsychotic drugs. The most frequent combination of antipsychotics was clozapine and aripiprazole, followed by clozapine and amisulpride, and risperidone and olanzapine. The ratio of patients discharged with a polypharmacy regimen including antipsychotic polypharmacy increased from 2001 to 2008. In relation to the mean dose of all antipsychotic drugs at the time of discharge, mean length of hospital stay and mean initial global assessment of functioning scores on admission statistically significant differences were not detected between both monotherapy and polypharmacy groups. Conclusion The main finding of this study is that polypharmacy with antipsychotics and other psychotropic medicines increased in our psychiatric unit from 2001 to 2008. The rates of antipsychotic polypharmacy in our study were less than those described in our literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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Lerma-Carrillo I, de Pablo Brühlmann S, del Pozo ML, Pascual-Pinazo F, Molina JD, Baca-García E. Antipsychotic polypharmacy in patients with schizophrenia in a brief hospitalization unit. Clin Neuropharmacol 2009; 31:319-32. [PMID: 19050409 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0b013e31815cba78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antipsychotic monotherapy is considered the gold standard in pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Only 2 of the main clinical guides recommend the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy (AP) for those patients refractory to monotherapy. Nonetheless, there is a large rate of studies, conducted in many different settings, showing that AP is more frequent as would be expected attending experts' recommendations. METHODS In this retrospective study, we review all the psychotropic drugs dispensed to inpatients of a brief hospitalization psychiatric unit diagnosed as having schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) at time of discharge in the year 2005. These included a total of 209 patients older than 18 years. RESULTS Of the 209 studied patients, 55.5% were discharged under AP treatment. Inpatients were given a mean of 3.06 psychotropic drugs and a mean of 1.61 antipsychotics at the time of hospital discharge. A total of 33.2% of the studied patients got anticholinergic drugs, and 66.2% were given benzodiazepines. The most prevalent combination of drugs was intramuscular long-acting risperidone plus an atypical antipsychotic. Amisulpride was the most used antipsychotic as adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS Despite different clinical guidelines, AP is a common pharmacological strategy as it is shown in our study and in the reviewed literature. Data in our study indicate that the observed rates of AP cannot exclusively be attributed to the treatment of patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review the prevalence of polypharmacy with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in clinical practice, pharmacological reasons for such practice, and the evidence for and against such polypharmacy. METHODS Clinical trial reports, case reports, and reviews were identified by a PubMed literature search from 1966 through October 2006, with retrieved publications queried for additional references. We excluded reports on augmentation with non-antipsychotic medications and polypharmacy involving combinations of SGAs and first-generation (conventional) antipsychotics (FGAs) or combinations of two FGAs. We identified 75 reports concerning SGA polypharmacy, from which we extracted data on study design, sample size, medications, rating scales, outcome, and conclusions. Data from randomized controlled trials and larger case series are presented in detail and case reports are briefly discussed. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy with SGAs is not uncommon, with prevalence varying widely (3.9% to 50%) depending on setting and patient population, despite limited support from blinded, randomized, controlled trials or case reports that employed an A-B-A (monotherapy-combination therapy-monotherapy) design and adequate dosing and duration of treatment. Rather than prohibiting or discouraging co-prescription of SGAs, needs of patients and clinicians should be addressed through evidence-based algorithms. Based on unmet clinical needs and modest evidence from case reports, combinations of two SGAs may merit future investigation in efficacy trials involving patients with schizophrenia who have treatment-resistant illness (including partial response) or who are responsive to treatment but develop intolerable adverse effects. Other areas that may merit future research are efficacy of SGA polypharmacy for schizophrenia accompanied by comorbid conditions (eg, anxiety, suicidal or self-injurious behavior, aggression) and for reducing length of stay in acute care settings.
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Gören JL, Parks JJ, Ghinassi FA, Milton CG, Oldham JM, Hernandez P, Chan J, Hermann RC. When Is Antipsychotic Polypharmacy Supported by Research Evidence? Implications for QI. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2008; 34:571-82. [DOI: 10.1016/s1553-7250(08)34072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Tranulis C, Skalli L, Lalonde P, Nicole L, Stip E. Benefits and risks of antipsychotic polypharmacy: an evidence-based review of the literature. Drug Saf 2008; 31:7-20. [PMID: 18095743 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200831010-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Combination antipsychotic prescription is an increasingly common practice in clinical psychiatry. This clinical practice is at odds with clinical guidelines promoting antipsychotic monotherapy. Moreover, there has been increased concern over the safety profile of atypical antipsychotics in the last 10-15 years. We reviewed the literature on antipsychotic combinations with a focus on safety and efficacy. Multiple electronic database searches were complemented by relevant bibliography cross-checking and expert discussions. The review showed a literature that is dominated by case reports and uncontrolled studies. Polypharmacy was unequally studied, with some recent combinations (i.e. clozapine and risperidone) being extensively, albeit inconclusively, studied and other more commonly used combinations (first- with second-generation agents) receiving little attention. From an evidence-based perspective, further trials of antipsychotic association of sufficient power to address safety issues are needed before recommending any antipsychotic combination. Particular weaknesses of the present literature are low number of participants, lack of adequate control of confounding variables, short duration of experimental follow-up and inadequate monitoring of potential adverse effects.
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Freudenreich O, Henderson DC, Walsh JP, Culhane MA, Goff DC. Risperidone augmentation for schizophrenia partially responsive to clozapine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Schizophr Res 2007; 92:90-4. [PMID: 17321111 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Risperidone augmentation of clozapine in refractory schizophrenia has theoretical but only inconsistent support from clinical trials. OBJECTIVES To examine if adding risperidone to stable yet symptomatic schizophrenia outpatients on optimized clozapine monotherapy improves psychopathology. METHODS We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group trial of a fixed dose of 4 mg/day risperidone added for 6 weeks in 24 outpatients with schizophrenia. RESULTS Subjects who received risperidone showed a non-significant decrease in PANSS total score. The PANSS disorganized thought subscale improved significantly (beta=-3.3079, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS Our trial does not support the routine addition of risperidone to clozapine in refractory schizophrenia patients. However, much larger trials are needed to conclusively settle the question of added efficacy from this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Freudenreich
- Massachusetts General Hospital Schizophrenia Program, Freedom Trail Clinic, 25 Staniford St., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Paton C, Whittington C, Barnes TR. Augmentation with a second antipsychotic in patients with schizophrenia who partially respond to clozapine: a meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2007; 27:198-204. [PMID: 17414246 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e318036bfbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of clozapine augmentation with another antipsychotic drug in patient with schizophrenia who partially respond to clozapine and compare the results with the findings of relevant open studies. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted to identify eligible RCTs. All baseline, posttreatment, and change scores in these trials were included in the meta-analysis. For change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale/Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores, the effect size was calculated, and for the proportion of patients with a reduction in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale/Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores of 20% or more, the relative risk was calculated. RESULTS There was a total of 166 participants in the 4 eligible RCTs. Pooling effect sizes across these studies revealed clinically important heterogeneity (I = 63.5%). Analyzing by duration accounted for the heterogeneity (I = 0%), whereas analyzing by drug did not (I = 57.5%). The 2 RCTs lasting 10 weeks or more gave an odds ratio of response to treatment of 4.41 (95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 14.07). In 8 open studies identified, the same pattern of response was seen. The main treatment-emergent side effects reported were extrapyramidal side effects and raised serum prolactin. CONCLUSIONS Augmentation of clozapine with another antipsychotic drug in patients with schizophrenic illness that has partially responded to clozapine is worthy of an individual clinical trial. This trial may need to be longer than the 4 to 6 weeks usually recommended for acute antipsychotic monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Paton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Imperial College, University College, London, UK.
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Megna JL, Kunwar AR, Mahlotra K, Sauro MD, Devitt PJ, Rashid A. A study of polypharmacy with second generation antipsychotics in patients with severe and persistent mental illness. J Psychiatr Pract 2007; 13:129-37. [PMID: 17414692 DOI: 10.1097/01.pra.0000265773.03756.3e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of empirical support for polypharmacy with second generation (atypical) antipsychotics (SGAs), especially in understudied populations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency, effectiveness, and safety of this practice in patients with severe and persistent mental illness who are chronically hospitalized. METHODS A chart review was conducted at a state psychiatric hospital in Syracuse, NY. The study subjects (N=26) were chronically hospitalized individuals with DSM-IV diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were initially prescribed at least one SGA and then received at least one other SGA during the study period. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Baseline and 6-month assessments were compared for statistical significance (p<0.05). RESULTS Of the 117 chronically hospitalized inpatients at the study center, 22.2% (N=26) received treatment regimens involving polypharmacy with SGAs. These patients as a group achieved statistically significant reductions on their scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (34.2 +/- 11.0 compared with 25.3 +/- 11.8; p=0.016) and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale (5.5 +/- 0.6 compared with. 5.0 +/- 0.8; p=0.016) at 6 months. There was a significant decrease in the use of prn medications (7.6 +/- 19.6 compared with 1.6 +/- 2.6; p<0.04). However, the number of patients receiving anticholinergic medications increased from 5 to 8 (p<0.04). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy with SGAs is quite frequent among chronic inpatients with severe and persistent mental illness despite a limited empirical database supporting its use. The results of our pilot study do not demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this practice. However, methodological shortcomings may have contributed to our failure to detect a true, positive effect. Controlled studies are needed to accurately determine the risks and benefits of SGA polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Megna
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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Lerma-Carrillo I, Molina JD, Cuevas-Durán T, González-Parra S, Blasco-Fontecilla H, Andrade-Rosa C, López-Muñoz F, Alamo C. Adjunctive Treatment With Risperidone in Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2007; 30:114-21. [PMID: 17414944 DOI: 10.1097/01.wnf.0000240947.51994.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Long-term studies show that 47% to 63% of schizophrenic patients treated with clozapine fail to respond after 12 years of treatment. Such high rates of resistance justify the growing interest in therapeutic strategies based on enhancing the effect of clozapine with other antipsychotics. The combination of clozapine and risperidone in the treatment of partial responders to clozapine has been one of those receiving most interest from research. METHODS AND RESULTS The present work reports the case of a 26-year-old man, diagnosed with schizophrenia who, after treatment with clozapine at appropriate doses over 12 weeks without observable response, showed a marked and sustained improvement after the addition of risperidone to the clozapine treatment. We also present a detailed review of publications related to the therapeutic combination of clozapine and risperidone in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Despite the contradictory nature of the published data, our results are in support of other work reporting that treatment with a combination of clozapine and risperidone, apart from being well tolerated, may constitute an effective alternative in this type of patient. Nevertheless, there is a need for further, controlled studies, with larger samples, with a view to drawing definitive conclusions and making specific recommendations.
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Huang SS, Liao YC, Hsieh YY, Huang CY, Chiu NY, Yang YK, Shen WW. Combination antipsychotic therapy in psychiatric outpatient clinics in Taiwan. Compr Psychiatry 2006; 47:421-5. [PMID: 16905407 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2005.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Revised: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to survey the use of combination antipsychotic therapy (CAT) in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a general hospital. METHODS Patients who received at least 2 antipsychotics in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a general hospital in 1 month (August 1-31, 2003) were identified, and their retrospective chart review was performed. Using a questionnaire, we surveyed the clinicians on why 2 antipsychotics were prescribed, why long-term CAT was used, and whether the problems were solved by CAT. RESULTS We studied 957 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders in 1 month. A total of 119 patients (12%) were prescribed at least 2 antipsychotics. Among these 119 patients, 91 (76%) were prescribed 2 types of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), and 15 patients (16%) were prescribed a second-generation antipsychotic medication and a low-dose FGA medication. The clinicians' main reasons for CAT were to treat insomnia (84%) and psychotic symptoms (83%). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study revealed that 12% of the patients received CAT in the clinical practice. Most patients were prescribed 2 FGAs. The clinicians' reasons for prescribing CAT in Taiwan were to treat insomnia and psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Sheng Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
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Kontaxakis VP, Ferentinos PP, Havaki-Kontaxaki BJ, Paplos KG, Pappa DA, Christodoulou GN. Risperidone augmentation of clozapine: a critical review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2006; 256:350-5. [PMID: 16900439 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-006-0643-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atypical antipsychotics are frequently used as augmentation agents in clozapine-resistant schizophrenic patients. Risperidone (RIS) is the one most studied as a clozapine (CLZ) adjunct. The aim of this study is to critically review all published studies regarding the efficacy and safety of RIS as an adjunctive agent in CLZ-resistant schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. METHODS A MEDLINE search from January 1988 to June 2005 was conducted. Identified papers were examined against several clinical, pharmacological and methodological parameters. RESULTS A total of 15 studies were found (2 randomized controlled trials, 3 open-label trials (OTs) and 8 case-studies (CSs)) comprising 86 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients (mean age 38.4 years). Mean CLZ dosage during the combined treatment was 474.2 mg/day. Plasma CLZ levels were assessed in 62 patients (72.1%). RIS was added at a mean dosage of 4.6 mg/day for a mean of 7.9 weeks. Significant improvement in psychopathology was reported for 37 patients (43%). A lower RIS dosage and a longer duration of the trial seemed to be associated with a better outcome. Main side effects reported were: extrapyramidal symptoms or akathisia (9.3%), sedation (7%) and hypersalivation (5.8%). CONCLUSIONS Existing evidence encourages the use of RIS as an adjunctive agent in CLZ-resistant schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis P Kontaxakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas.Sophias Ave., 11528, Athens, Greece.
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Mouaffak F, Tranulis C, Gourevitch R, Poirier MF, Douki S, Olié JP, Lôo H, Gourion D. Augmentation strategies of clozapine with antipsychotics in the treatment of ultraresistant schizophrenia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2006; 29:28-33. [PMID: 16518132 DOI: 10.1097/00002826-200601000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40% to 70% of neuroleptic-resistant schizophrenic patients are nonresponders to clozapine. Several clozapine augmentation strategies have come into clinical practice although often without evidence-based support. Among these strategies, the combined use of clozapine with another antipsychotic has been reported for up to 35% of patients receiving clozapine. OBJECTIVE The purposes of the present work were to (1) review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of the clozapine augmentation with another antipsychotic using a MEDLINE search of the literature from 1978 to December 2005 and (2) to propose an operational definition of schizophrenia refractory to clozapine ("ultraresistant schizophrenia") for the implementation and homogenization of future therapeutic trials. CONCLUSION Case controls and open clinical trials largely dominate the literature, and there are only 4 double-blind studies of clozapine augmentation with antipsychotics. The results of these studies are somewhat discrepant. Moreover, the heterogeneity of definitions of resistance to clozapine, of outcome measures and of dose and duration of pharmacological trials is a major limitation for drawing conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayçal Mouaffak
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Santé Mentale et de Thérapeutique, Université René Descartes and INSERM E0117, Sainte-Anne Hospital, 7 rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France.
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20
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Honer WG, Thornton AE, Chen EYH, Chan RCK, Wong JOY, Bergmann A, Falkai P, Pomarol-Clotet E, McKenna PJ, Stip E, Williams R, MacEwan GW, Wasan K, Procyshyn R. Clozapine alone versus clozapine and risperidone with refractory schizophrenia. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:472-82. [PMID: 16452559 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa053222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of schizophrenia with multiple antipsychotic drugs is common, but the benefits and risks are not known. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind study, we evaluated patients with schizophrenia and a poor response to treatment with clozapine. The patients continued to take clozapine and were randomly assigned to receive eight weeks of daily augmentation with 3 mg of risperidone or with placebo. This course of treatment was followed by an optional 18 weeks of augmentation with risperidone. The primary outcome was reduction in the total score for severity of symptoms on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The secondary outcomes included cognitive functioning. RESULTS A total of 68 patients were randomly assigned to treatment. In the double-blind phase, the mean total score for the severity of symptoms decreased from baseline to eight weeks in both the risperidone and the placebo groups. There was no statistically significant difference in symptomatic benefit between augmentation with risperidone and placebo: 9 of 34 patients receiving placebo and 6 of 34 receiving risperidone responded to treatment (P=0.38). The mean difference in the change in PANSS scores from baseline to eight weeks between those receiving risperidone and those receiving placebo was 0.1 (95 percent confidence interval, -7.3 to 7.0). The verbal working-memory index showed a small decline in the risperidone group and a small improvement in the placebo group (P=0.02 for the comparison between the two groups in the change from baseline). The increase in fasting blood glucose levels was mildly greater in the risperidone group than in the placebo group (16.2 vs. 1.8 mg per deciliter [0.90 vs. 0.10 mmol per liter], P=0.04). The incidence and severity of other side effects did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In this short-term study, the addition of risperidone to clozapine did not improve symptoms in patients with severe schizophrenia. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00272584).
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Honer
- Centre for Complex Disorders and the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital Research Pavilion, Vancouver, Canada.
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21
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Ziegenbein M, Wittmann G, Kropp S. Aripiprazole Augmentation of??Clozapine??in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Clin Drug Investig 2006; 26:117-24. [PMID: 17163242 DOI: 10.2165/00044011-200626030-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic options for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia are limited, and combination treatment with atypical antipsychotic drugs is an often used strategy. We tested the hypothesis that the combination of aripiprazole and clozapine would lead to an improvement in this patient group. METHODS Eleven patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia participated in this clinical trial and received a combination of aripiprazole and clozapine. Patients had to have remained on a stable dose of clozapine for at least 6 months in order to ensure a reasonable opportunity to respond to clozapine monotherapy. Clinical status was evaluated at baseline and at 3 months' follow-up using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). RESULTS All patients completed 3 months' combination treatment. There was a significant reduction in the mean BPRS score in seven patients (63.6%) over the 3 months of combination treatment. Augmentation with aripiprazole in clozapine-treated patients did not result in a corresponding increase in adverse effects. Use of the combination allowed a significant reduction in the daily dose of clozapine. CONCLUSIONS Combined application of clozapine and aripiprazole is in accordance with a neurobiological rationale and appears to be safe and well tolerated without increased risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ziegenbein
- Department of Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
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22
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Falkai P, Wobrock T, Lieberman J, Glenthoj B, Gattaz WF, Möller HJ. World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for biological treatment of schizophrenia, Part 1: acute treatment of schizophrenia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2005; 6:132-91. [PMID: 16173147 DOI: 10.1080/15622970510030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
These guide lines for the biological treatment of schizophrenia were developed by an international Task Force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBO). The goal during the development of these guidelines was to review systematically all available evidence pertaining to the treatment of schizophrenia, and to reach a consensus on a series of practice recommendations that are clinically and scientifically meaningful based on the available evidence. These guidelines are intended for use by all physicians seeing and treating people with schizophrenia. The data used for developing these guidelines have been extracted primarily from various national treatment guidelines and panels for schizophrenia, as well as from meta-analyses, reviews and randomised clinical trials on the efficacy of pharmacological and other biological treatment interventions identified by a search of the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library. The identified literature was evaluated with respect to the strength of evidence for its efficacy and then categorised into four levels of evidence (A-D). This first part of the guidelines covers disease definition, classification, epidemiology and course of schizophrenia, as well as the management of the acute phase treatment. These guidelines are primarily concerned with the biological treatment (including antipsychotic medication, other pharmacological treatment options, electroconvulsive therapy, adjunctive and novel therapeutic strategies) of adults suffering from schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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23
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Abstract
The introduction of antipsychotics in the 1950s revolutionised the treatment of schizophrenia, but it soon became apparent that a substantial number of patients demonstrated a suboptimal response to these antipsychotics. Clozapine proved to be beneficial in patients whose symptoms were treatment resistant, but it too had limitations, with as many as 40-70% of those treated with clozapine demonstrating inadequate response to this drug as well. The availability of other 'atypical' antipsychotics offers options, but clozapine appears to remain the most effective option in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This, of course, raises the question of what to do when clozapine is only partially effective. To address the issue of treatment in patients who have demonstrated a suboptimal response to clozapine, efforts have focused on a variety of augmentation strategies, including numerous medications and electroconvulsive therapy. The current body of evidence consists largely of data from smaller open trials and case series/reports, although data from a limited number of controlled studies are now available. Not surprisingly, the evidence drawn from the former is more supportive of augmentation strategies, although the controlled trials are not without positive findings. The available information is certainly not so overwhelming as to endorse any single augmentation approach. Indeed, it argues for more controlled data and cautions us regarding the cost-benefit ratio in adopting this strategy. Over and above the added adverse effects of another treatment, there is evidence to indicate that actual clinical worsening can occur. Without compelling evidence, clinicians must resort to guiding principles. The potential benefits of augmentation cannot be ruled out, but it should be approached with caution and in a systematic fashion. Factors compromising clozapine response should first be ruled out, and any augmentation trials should be guided by existing evidence and a treatment plan that incorporates a clear understanding of target symptoms. A means of evaluating outcome effectively needs to be in place, and the trial should be circumscribed to prevent needless polypharmacy. A priori, an endpoint needs to be established and the trial discontinued unless results firmly support added benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Remington
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Ziegenbein M, Kropp S, Kuenzel HE. Combination of Clozapine and Ziprasidone in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2005; 28:220-4. [PMID: 16239761 DOI: 10.1097/01.wnf.0000183446.58529.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Therapeutic options for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia are limited. In such patients, combined application of atypical antipsychotic drugs is an often-used strategy. The authors tested the hypothesis that the combination of ziprasidone and clozapine would lead to an improvement in this patient group. METHODS Nine patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia participated in this open clinical trial and received a combination regimen of ziprasidone and clozapine. Patients had to have remained on a stable dose of clozapine for at least 6 months to ensure a reasonable opportunity to respond to clozapine monotherapy. Clinical status was evaluated at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months' follow-up using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). RESULTS All patients completed the 6-month combination treatment. The mental state of 7 patients (77.8%) was improved and there was a significant reduction in the mean BPRS score over the 6 months treatment. The coadministration of ziprasidone in clozapine-treated patients did not result in a corresponding increase in side effects. The combination allowed a 18% reduction of the daily clozapine dose. CONCLUSION The combined application of clozapine and ziprasidone follows a neurobiologic rationale and appears to be safe and well tolerated without increasing the risk of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ziegenbein
- Department of Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
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25
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Zink M, Dressing H. Clozapin-Augmentation mit atypischen Antipsychotika. DER NERVENARZT 2005; 76:1092, 1094-8, 1100-2. [PMID: 15782324 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-005-1887-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Typical antipsychotic medications have considerably improved clinical outcome of patients suffering from schizophrenic psychoses, but up to 40% of the cases show treatment resistant symptoms. Even therapy with atypical antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, sulpiride, amisulpride, and ziprasidone often fails to reach complete remission due to resistant, positive or negative symptoms or dose-limiting side effects. As this also holds true in the case of monotherapy with clozapine, a substance known to be effective against treatment-resistant schizophrenia, increasing numbers of patients receive atypical antipsychotic drugs in addition to clozapine. This review systematically evaluates case reports and clinical investigations on the use of clozapine combined with risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, sulpiride, amisulpride, or ziprasidone. Details on indication, methodology, and effects of the investigations are summarized. Only one double blind, placebo-controlled trial on the combination with sulpiride exists within a number of altogether 31 publications about 1182 treatments. Favorable effects on positive and/or negative symptoms or improvements of clozapine-induced side effects were described for every combination approach. In some cases pharmacokinetic interactions or serious unfavorable effects occurred. In conclusion it might be accepted that most of the combination therapies follow a neurobiological rational. There a major differences in the level of evidence that they are safe, tolerable and effective. We discuss criteria for the indication for augmenting clozapine therapy and the differential indication for existing alternatives. Additional randomized prospective trials are needed in order to evaluate these strategies systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zink
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Mannheim, Deutschland.
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26
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Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy occurs frequently in clinical practice; however, there is a lack of controlled clinical studies testing the efficacy of the combinations used. The purpose of this literature review was to examine studies and other reports that have assessed the incremental benefits and deficits of combination antipsychotic therapy versus monotherapy. A PUBMED search covering a 26-year period from 1976 to 2002 was conducted. The search was limited to clinical trials, case series, and reports. Fifty-two reports were identified that systematically assessed the efficacy of combination therapy as opposed to monotherapy: 4 double-blind studies, 13 open-label clinical trials, and 35 case reports. Only one open-label trial and 2 case reports met the design criteria of having trials of each medication and the combination in the same patients and using some type of standardized assessment to evaluate outcome. The most frequent combination was clozapine-risperidone. Of the clinical trials, 75% (3/4) of the double-blind studies and 69% (9/13) of the open-label trials found that combination therapy was effective in reducing symptoms, while 37% (13/35) of case reports documented an overall positive outcome. Currently, the clinical practice of antipsychotic polypharmacy is not evidence-based; however, there is also no evidence against its use. Expanded systematic research to assess this clinical practice is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayalakshmy Patrick
- University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
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Lerner V, Libov I, Kotler M, Strous RD. Combination of "atypical" antipsychotic medication in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2004; 28:89-98. [PMID: 14687862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2003.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article reviews the published clinical data on treatment-resistant schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients managed with combinations of "atypical" antipsychotic medication. METHOD A computerized MEDLINE literature search covering an 18-year period (1985-2003) was conducted. All pertinent papers on the subject of the use of combination "atypical" antipsychotic medication in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were obtained with subsequent analysis and discussion of the retrieved data. RESULTS The search identified 29 case reports and case series reports (172 patients) and one double-blind placebo-controlled trial (28 patients) describing the use of combination "atypical" antipsychotic medication (clozapine-risperidone; clozapine-sulpiride; clozapine-olanzapine; clozapine-quetiapine; olanzapine-sulpiride; olanzapine-quetiapine; risperidone-olanzapine; risperidone-quetiapine) in the treatment of resistant schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. An overview of results suggests that the combinations were beneficial in the described patients with reduction of positive symptoms and occasionally negative symptoms. Significant adverse effects, while rare, were reported in a few cases and did not appear to different in nature from those managed on monotherapeutic regimens. CONCLUSION Combinations of "atypical" antipsychotic medications are well tolerated and may be effective in the management of treatment refractory schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. However, further double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required in order to test and confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lerner
- Be'er-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion, University of the Negev, P.O. Box 4600, Be'er-Sheva 84170, Israel.
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28
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Freudenreich O, Goff DC. Antipsychotic combination therapy in schizophrenia. A review of efficacy and risks of current combinations. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002; 106:323-30. [PMID: 12366465 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2002.01331.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on efficacy and risks of combining antipsychotics (atypical with atypical or conventional) and suggest a rationale and strategies for future clinical trials. METHOD A computerized Medline search supplemented by an examination of cross-references and reviews was performed. RESULTS Empirical evidence for the efficacy of combining antipsychotics is too limited to draw firm conclusions. The practice of augmenting clozapine with more 'tightly bound' D2 receptor antagonists as exemplified by risperidone augmentation of clozapine has some empirical and theoretical support. The risks of augmentation strategies have not been studied systematically. No study has examined the economic impact of combination treatment. CONCLUSION Further trials of antipsychotic combination therapies are needed before this currently unsupported practice can be recommended. Rationales for combination treatment include a broadening of the range of receptor activity or an increase in D2 receptor occupancy with certain atypical agents. Trial methodology needs to take into account subject characteristics, duration of treatment, optimization of monotherapy comparators, and appropriate outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Freudenreich
- MGH Schizophrenia Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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29
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Abstract
A systematic approach to the evaluation and characterization of treatment resistance in schizophrenia has become increasingly important since the introduction of the second-generation antipsychotics. The need for accurate evaluation will increase further as other new antipsychotic medications are developed. Patients with schizophrenia may manifest poor response to therapy because of intolerance to medication, poor adherence, inappropriate dosing, as well as true resistance of their illness to antipsychotic drug therapy. Criteria for treatment-resistance are presented to help in standardizing treatment and clinical trials. As clinicians face the decision of when to change or augment antipsychotic medications, a clear understanding of the appropriate length of a treatment trial and which target symptoms respond to antipsychotic therapy is critical for maximizing response in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Conley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21228, USA
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