1
|
DeJongh BM. Clinical pearls for the monitoring and treatment of antipsychotic induced metabolic syndrome. Ment Health Clin 2021; 11:311-319. [PMID: 34824956 PMCID: PMC8582768 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2021.11.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic medications increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, which then increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and premature death. Routinely monitoring for signs of metabolic syndrome in patients taking antipsychotics allows for early detection and intervention. Psychiatric pharmacists can improve patient care through metabolic syndrome monitoring and recommendation of appropriate interventions. Monitoring for the metabolic adverse effects of antipsychotics, management of weight gain, and management of lipids and blood pressure are explored through 2 patient cases.
Collapse
|
2
|
Augmentation of Antipsychotic Medications with Low-Dose Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia-Case Reports and Discussion. Case Rep Psychiatry 2021; 2021:5525398. [PMID: 34239749 PMCID: PMC8235956 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5525398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment resistance in schizophrenia is often encountered in clinical practice, with clozapine usually recommended as the appropriate therapy. However, where clozapine proves ineffective or cannot be tolerated due to side effects, treatment options are limited. In patients within forensic mental health services, residual symptomatology often presents a barrier to discharge and can have lasting effects on prospects for rehabilitation as well as risk to self and others. This paper presents a review of the relevant literature and three cases of a novel approach, utilising clozapine in doses usually considered subtherapeutic, in combination with the primary antipsychotic treatment. In all three patients, it improved clinical efficacy as well as tolerability, resulting in improvement that allowed discharge from the forensic hospital.
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elera-Fitzcarrald C, Rocha J, Burgos PI, Ugarte-Gil MF, Petri M, Alarcón GS. Measures of Fatigue in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Critical Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 72 Suppl 10:369-409. [PMID: 33091265 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith Rocha
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula I Burgos
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel F Ugarte-Gil
- Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, and Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Michelle Petri
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graciela S Alarcón
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in every stage of the psychosis continuum can present with negative symptoms. While no treatment is currently available to address these symptoms, a more refined characterization of their course over the lifetime could help in elaborating interventions. Previous reports have separately investigated the prevalence of negative symptoms within each stage of the psychosis continuum. Our aim in this review is to compare those prevalences across stages, thereby disclosing the course of negative symptoms. METHODS We searched several databases for studies reporting prevalences of negative symptoms in each one of our predetermined stages of the psychosis continuum: clinical or ultra-high risk (UHR), first-episode of psychosis (FEP), and younger and older patients who have experienced multiple episodes of psychosis (MEP). We combined results using the definitions of negative symptoms detailed in the Brief Negative Symptom Scale, a recently developed tool. For each negative symptom, we averaged and weighted by the combined sample size the prevalences of each negative symptom at each stage. RESULTS We selected 47 studies totaling 1872 UHR, 2947 FEP, 5039 younger MEP, and 669 older MEP patients. For each negative symptom, the prevalences showed a comparable course. Each negative symptom decreased from the UHR to FEP stages and then increased from the FEP to MEP stages. CONCLUSIONS Certain psychological, environmental, and treatment-related factors may influence the cumulative impact of negative symptoms, presenting the possibility for early intervention to improve the long-term course.
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Abstract
SummaryClozapine remains underutilised as the only antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, despite liberal National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for its consideration. Bearing in mind its monitoring requirements and poor tolerability, suggestions are made for patients who fail to improve on other antipsychotic drugs. Clozapine may be offered to apparently unsuitable patients, although this is fraught with difficulty. A realistic appraisal of the alternatives is essential in this situation. Optimising plasma clozapine levels, alongside the use of rehabilitative interventions and adjuncts as necessary, will maximise efficacy, and there are numerous options to minimise side-effects. Clozapine requires a lengthier trial than other antipsychotics and discontinuation should be avoided if possible, as the results are generally very poor. Established successful clozapine treatment can induce substantial functional gains which accrue with time: patients are retained in treatment and relapse is prevented. Such optimal outcomes justify the initial effort expended by all.
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
|
10
|
Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Aripiprazole in Schizophrenia: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 36:628-636. [PMID: 27755219 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding aripiprazole to other antipsychotics in schizophrenia. A systematic computer search identified 55 RCTs including 4457 patients who were randomized to aripiprazole (14.0 ± 7.0 mg/d) versus placebo (18 RCTs) or open antipsychotic treatment (37 RCTs). Aripiprazole significantly outperformed the comparison interventions based on psychiatric scales: (1) total score in 43 RCTs (N = 3351) with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.68 to -0.28; P < 0.00001; I = 88%), (2) negative symptom score in 30 RCTs (N = 2294) with an SMD of -0.61(95% CI, -0.91 to -0.31; P < 0.00001; I = 91%), and (3) general psychopathology score in 13 RCTs (N = 1138) with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -4.02 (95% CI, -7.23 to -0.81; P = 0.01; I = 99%), but not in positive symptoms in 29 RCTs (N = 2223) with a SMD of -0.01 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.25; P = 0.95; I = 88%). Differences in total score based on psychiatric scales may be explained by the use of an antipsychotic for comparison rather than placebo in 31 RCTs with a nonblind design. Aripiprazole outperformed the comparison interventions for body weight in 9 RCTs (N = 505) with a WMD of -5.08 kg (95% CI, -7.14 to -3.02; P < 0.00001; I = 35%) and for body mass index (BMI) in 14 RCTs (N = 809) with a WMD of -1.78 (CI: -2.25 to -1.31; P < 0.00001; I = 54%). The BMI meta-regression analysis indicated aripiprazole's association with lower BMI was stronger in females. Adjunctive aripiprazole appears safe but better RCTs are needed to demonstrate efficacy. Chinese journals and scientific societies should encourage the publication of high-quality RCTs and require registration in a centralized Chinese database.
Collapse
|
11
|
Cooper SJ, Reynolds GP, Barnes T, England E, Haddad PM, Heald A, Holt R, Lingford-Hughes A, Osborn D, McGowan O, Patel MX, Paton C, Reid P, Shiers D, Smith J. BAP guidelines on the management of weight gain, metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular risk associated with psychosis and antipsychotic drug treatment. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:717-48. [PMID: 27147592 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116645254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Excess deaths from cardiovascular disease are a major contributor to the significant reduction in life expectancy experienced by people with schizophrenia. Important risk factors in this are smoking, alcohol misuse, excessive weight gain and diabetes. Weight gain also reinforces service users' negative views of themselves and is a factor in poor adherence with treatment. Monitoring of relevant physical health risk factors is frequently inadequate, as is provision of interventions to modify these. These guidelines review issues surrounding monitoring of physical health risk factors and make recommendations about an appropriate approach. Overweight and obesity, partly driven by antipsychotic drug treatment, are important factors contributing to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia. There have been clinical trials of many interventions for people experiencing weight gain when taking antipsychotic medications but there is a lack of clear consensus regarding which may be appropriate in usual clinical practice. These guidelines review these trials and make recommendations regarding appropriate interventions. Interventions for smoking and alcohol misuse are reviewed, but more briefly as these are similar to those recommended for the general population. The management of impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance ('pre-diabetes'), diabetes and other cardiovascular risks, such as dyslipidaemia, are also reviewed with respect to other currently available guidelines.These guidelines were compiled following a consensus meeting of experts involved in various aspects of these problems. They reviewed key areas of evidence and their clinical implications. Wider issues relating to primary care/secondary care interfaces are discussed but cannot be resolved within guidelines such as these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Cooper
- Professor of Psychiatry (Emeritus), Queen's University Belfast, UK Clinical Lead for the National Audit of Schizophrenia, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Gavin P Reynolds
- Professor (Emeritus), Queen's University Belfast, UK Honorary Professor of Neuroscience, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Tre Barnes
- Professor of Psychiatry, The Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - E England
- General Practitioner, Laurie Pike Health Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | - P M Haddad
- Honorary Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Consultant Psychiatrist, Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - A Heald
- Consultant Physician, Leighton and Macclesfield Hospitals, Cheshire, UK Research Fellow, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rig Holt
- Professor in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Human Development and Health Academic Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Lingford-Hughes
- Professor of Addiction Biology, Imperial College, London, UK Consultant Psychiatrist, CNWL NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - D Osborn
- Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Division of Psychiatry UCL, London, UK
| | - O McGowan
- Trainee in Psychiatry, Hairmyres Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - M X Patel
- Honorary Senior Lecturer, King's College London, IOPPN, Department of Psychosis Studies PO68, London, UK
| | - C Paton
- Chief Pharmacist, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Dartford, UK Joint-Head, Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health, CCQI, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - P Reid
- Policy Manager, Rethink Mental Illness, London, UK
| | - D Shiers
- Primary Care Lead for the National Audit of Schizophrenia, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - J Smith
- Professor of Early Intervention and Psychosis, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Atypical antipsychotics and effects on feeding: from mice to men. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2629-53. [PMID: 27251130 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE So-called atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) are associated with varying levels of weight gain and associated metabolic disturbances, which in patients with serious mental illness (SMI) have been linked to non-compliance and poor functional outcomes. Mechanisms underlying AAP-induced metabolic abnormalities are only partially understood. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain may occur as a result of increases in food intake and/or changes in feeding. OBJECTIVE In this review, we examine the available human and preclinical literature addressing AAP-related changes in feeding behavior, to determine whether changes in appetite and perturbations in regulation of food intake could be contributing factors to antipsychotic-induced weight gain. RESULTS In general, human studies point to disruption by AAPs of feeding behaviors and food consumption. In rodents, increases in cumulative food intake are mainly observed in females; however, changes in feeding microstructure or motivational aspects of food intake appear to occur independent of sex. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review indicate that the varying levels of AAP-related weight gain reflect changes in both appetite and feeding behaviors, which differ by type of AAP. However, inconsistencies exist among the studies (both human and rodent) that may reflect considerable differences in study design and methodology. Future studies examining underlying mechanisms of antipsychotic-induced weight gain are recommended in order to develop strategies addressing the serious metabolic side effect of AAPs.
Collapse
|
13
|
McElroy SL, Guerdjikova AI, Mori N, Keck PE. Managing comorbid obesity and depression through clinical pharmacotherapies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1599-610. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1198776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. McElroy
- Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anna I. Guerdjikova
- Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole Mori
- Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Paul E. Keck
- Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thompson JV, Clark JM, Legge SE, Kadra G, Downs J, Walters JT, Hamshere ML, Hayes RD, Taylor D, MacCabe JH. Antipsychotic polypharmacy and augmentation strategies prior to clozapine initiation: a historical cohort study of 310 adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenic disorders. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:436-43. [PMID: 26905920 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116632376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is commonly used in schizophrenia despite a lack of robust evidence for efficacy, as well as evidence of increased rates of adverse drug reactions and mortality. OBJECTIVES We sought to examine APP and the use of other adjunctive medications in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenic disorders (ICD-10 diagnoses F20-F29) immediately prior to clozapine initiation, and to investigate clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with APP use in this setting. METHODS Analysis of case notes from 310 patients receiving their first course of clozapine at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM) was undertaken using the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) case register. Medication taken immediately prior to clozapine initiation was recorded, and global clinical severity was assessed at time points throughout the year prior to medication assessment using the Clinical Global Impression - Severity scale (CGI-S). Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with APP. RESULTS The point prevalence of APP prior to clozapine initiation was 13.6% (n=42), with 32.6% of subjects prescribed adjuvant psychotropic medications. APP was associated with increasing number of adjuvant medications (odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-3.06), concurrent depot antipsychotic prescription (OR 2.64, CI 1.24-5.62), concurrent antidepressant prescription (OR 4.40, CI 1.82-10.63) and a CGI-S over the previous year within the two middle quartiles (Quartile 2 vs 1 OR 6.19, CI 1.81-21.10; Quartile 3 vs 1 OR 4.45, CI 1.29-15.37; Quartile 4 vs 1 OR 1.88, CI 0.45-7.13). CONCLUSIONS APP and augmentation of antipsychotics with antidepressants, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines are being employed in treatment-resistant schizophrenia prior to clozapine. The conservative APP rate observed may have been influenced by an initiative within SLaM that reduced APP rates during the study window. Efforts to reduce the use of poorly evidenced prescribing should focus on adjuvant medications as well as APP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne M Clark
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie E Legge
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Giouliana Kadra
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Johnny Downs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Tr Walters
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marian L Hamshere
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Richard D Hayes
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James H MacCabe
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lithium or Valproate Adjunctive Therapy to Second-generation Antipsychotics and Metabolic Variables in Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder. J Psychiatr Pract 2016; 22:175-82. [PMID: 27123797 PMCID: PMC5331927 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People with schizophrenia are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and their overall mortality rate is elevated compared to the general population. The metabolic side effects of antipsychotic medications have been widely studied; however, the effect of adding conventional mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate, to antipsychotic medication has not been assessed in terms of metabolic risk. The primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine whether treatment with lithium or valproate in addition to a second-generation antipsychotic is associated with poorer metabolic outcomes than treatment with a second-generation antipsychotic without lithium or depakote. METHODS Baseline data from 3 studies, which included measurement of body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glucose utilization, and acute insulin response to glucose, were included in the analysis. RESULTS No differences were found between those taking lithium or valproate and those who were not in terms of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity was lower among participants taking lithium or valproate. Participants taking lithium or valproate had a higher body mass index than those not taking conventional mood stabilizers, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS These cross-sectional findings suggest it may be beneficial to monitor insulin sensitivity and body mass index in patients taking lithium or valproate in combination with a second-generation antipsychotic.
Collapse
|
16
|
Galling B, Roldán A, Rietschel L, Hagi K, Walyzada F, Zheng W, Cao XL, Xiang YT, Kane JM, Correll CU. Safety and tolerability of antipsychotic co-treatment in patients with schizophrenia: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2016; 15:591-612. [PMID: 26967126 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2016.1165668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antipsychotic co-treatment is common in schizophrenia, despite lacking evidence for its efficacy and safety. Areas: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed/PsycInfo/CJN/WangFan/CBM without language restrictions from database inception until 05/25/2015 for randomized trials comparing antipsychotic monotherapy with antipsychotic co-treatment in ≥20 adults with schizophrenia reporting meta-analyzable adverse events (AEs) data. Meta-analyzing 67 studies (n=4,861, duration=10.3±5.2 weeks), antipsychotic co-treatment was similar to monotherapy regarding intolerability-related discontinuation (risk ratio (RR)=0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53-1.33, p=0.455). While incidence of ≥1 AE was lower with antipsychotic co-treatment (RR=0.77, 95%CI=0.66-0.90, p=0.001), these results were solely driven by open-label and efficacy-focused studies. Adjunctive D2-antagonists lead to less nausea (RR=0.220, 95%CI=0.06-0.87, p=0.030) and insomnia (RR=0.26, 95%CI=0.08-0.86, p=0.028), but higher prolactin (SMD=2.20, 95%CI=0.43-3.96, p=0.015). Conversely, adjunctive partial D2-agonists (aripiprazole=100%) resulted in lower electrocardiogram abnormalities (RR=0.43, 95%CI=0.25-0.73, p=0.002), constipation (RR=0.45, 95%CI=0.25-0.79, p=0.006), drooling/hypersalivation (RR=0.14, 95%CI=0.07-0.29, p<0.001), prolactin (SMD=-1.77, 95%CI=-2.38, -1.15, p<0.001), total and LDL-cholesterol (SMD=-0.33, 95%CI=-0.55, -0.11, p=0.003; SMD=-0.33, 95%CI=-0.54, -0.10, p=0.004). EXPERT OPINION No double-blind evidence for altered AE burden associated with antipsychotic co-treatment was found. However, AEs were insufficiently and incompletely reported and follow-up duration was modest. Adjunctive partial D2-agonists might be beneficial for counteracting several AEs. High-quality, long-term studies that comprehensively assess AEs are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britta Galling
- a The Zucker Hillside Hospital , Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health , Glen Oaks , NY , USA
| | - Alexandra Roldán
- b Department of Psychiatry, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica-Sant Pau (IIB-SANT PAU) , Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Liz Rietschel
- c University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Katsuhiko Hagi
- a The Zucker Hillside Hospital , Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health , Glen Oaks , NY , USA.,d Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Medical Affairs , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Frozan Walyzada
- a The Zucker Hillside Hospital , Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health , Glen Oaks , NY , USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- e Department of Psychiatry, Guangzhou Brain Hospital (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Affilated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiao-Lan Cao
- f Department of Psychiatry , Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- g Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - John M Kane
- a The Zucker Hillside Hospital , Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health , Glen Oaks , NY , USA.,h Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine , Hempstead , NY , USA.,i The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research , Manhasset , NY , USA.,j Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Christoph U Correll
- a The Zucker Hillside Hospital , Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health , Glen Oaks , NY , USA.,h Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine , Hempstead , NY , USA.,i The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research , Manhasset , NY , USA.,j Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sneider B, Pristed SG, Correll CU, Nielsen J. Frequency and correlates of antipsychotic polypharmacy among patients with schizophrenia in Denmark: A nation-wide pharmacoepidemiological study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1669-76. [PMID: 26256007 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although evidence for efficacy of antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is sparse, APP is common in schizophrenia. The national Danish health registers were accessed to examine in schizophrenia patients: (1) cross-sectional prevalences of APP (1996-2012); (2) geographic variations in APP (2012); and (3) correlates of APP (2012). APP increased from 17.2% in 1996 to 30.8% in 2006 (p<0.001), declining to 24.6% in 2012 (p<0.001) (overall trend 1996-2012: α=0.653, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.327-0.979, p<0.001). Comparing the 1996-2005 and 2006-2012 cohorts APP occurred significantly faster in the 2006 cohort after schizophrenia diagnosis (p<0.0001). The predominant APP type changed from first-generation antipsychotic combinations in 1996 (77.3%) to first+second-generation antipsychotic combinations in 2003 (70.3%) and second-generation antipsychotic combinations in 2012 (59.2%). In 2012, the prevalence of APP varied from 19.4% in Copenhagen to 29.3% in the region of Zealand. Independent correlates of APP, explaining 37.9% of the variance, included a higher number of patients per psychiatrist (OR=1.04/10 patients, CI=1.03-1.06, p<0.001),lower proportion of males (OR=0.80, CI=0.74-0.86), younger age (OR=1.00, CI=0.99-1.00), several schizophrenia subtypes (paranoid: OR=1.24, CI=1.11-1.38,hebephrenic: OR=1.30, CI=1.03-1.63, other: OR=1.95 CI=1.17-3.24, unspecified: OR=1.21 CI=1.05-1.40), living alone (OR=1.12, CI=1.01-1.24), being institutionalized (OR=1.23, CI=1.06-1.42), receiving early retirement pension (OR=1.21, CI=1.10-1.34), higher Charlson Co-morbidity Index score (OR=1.13, CI=1.07-1.19), higher antipsychotic defined daily doses (OR=3.05, CI=-2.95-3.16), treatment with clozapine (OR=3.09, 95% CI=2.78-3.44), and treatment with antidepressants (OR=1.97 (CI=1.83-2.13), long-acting injectable antipsychotics (OR=1.48, CI=1.34-1.63), and anticholinergics (OR=1.74, CI=1.51-2.01). APP remains common in schizophrenia with substantial temporal and geographical variation, being associated with indicators of illness severity and chronicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christoph U Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Jimmi Nielsen
- Aalborg University Hospital, Psychiatry, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Henderson DC, Vincenzi B, Andrea NV, Ulloa M, Copeland PM. Pathophysiological mechanisms of increased cardiometabolic risk in people with schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:452-464. [PMID: 26360288 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia have increased mortality and morbidity compared with the general population. These patients have a 20-year shorter lifespan than peers without schizophrenia, mainly due to premature cardiovascular disease, suicide, and cancer. Patients with severe mental illness are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease related to increased incidence of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, poor diet, obesity, dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome, low physical activity, and side-effects of antipsychotic drugs. Some second-generation antipsychotics (eg, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone) are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and new-onset diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which schizophrenia and patients with severe mental illness are susceptible to cardiometabolic disorders are complex and include lifestyle risks and direct and indirect effects of antipsychotic drugs. An understanding of these risks might lead to effective interventions for prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disorders in schizophrenia and severe mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C Henderson
- Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Brenda Vincenzi
- Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas V Andrea
- Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Ulloa
- Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul M Copeland
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Srisurapanont M, Suttajit S, Maneeton N, Maneeton B. Efficacy and safety of aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 62:38-47. [PMID: 25619176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Limited options are available for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia and intolerable side effects of clozapine. We conducted a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine for schizophrenia. Electronic databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science. This review synthesized the data of four short-term (8-24 weeks), placebo-controlled trials (N = 347). The overall relative risk (RR, 95% confidence interval) of discontinuation rates was not significantly different between groups (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.78 to 2.56). The pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs, 95% CIs) (Z-test; number of study; I(2)-index) suggested trends of aripiprazole augmentation benefits on overall psychotic [-0.40 (-0.87 to 0.07) (n = 3; Z = 1.68, p = 0.09; I(2) = 68%)], positive [-1.05 (-2.39 to 0.29) (n = 3; Z = 1.54, p = 0.12; I(2) = 94%)], and negative [-0.36 (-0.77 to 0.05) (n = 3; Z = 1.74, p = 0.08; I(2) = 54%)] symptoms. Despite of no benefit on three cardiometabolic indices (i.e., fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein), aripiprazole augmentation was superior for weight change with a mean difference (95% CI) of -1.36 kg (-2.35 to -0.36) (n = 3; Z = 2.67, p = 0.008; I(2) = 39%) and LDL-cholesterol with a mean difference of -11.06 mg/dL (-18.25 to -3.87) (n = 3; Z = 3.02, p = 0.003; I(2) = 31%). Aripiprazole augmentation was not correlated with headache and insomnia but significantly associated with agitation/akathesia (RR = 7.59, 95% CI = 1.43 to 40.18) (n = 3; Z = 2.38, p = 0.02; I(2) = 0%) and anxiety (RR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.02 to 7.15) (n = 1; Z = 2.00, p = 0.05). The limited short-term data suggested that aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine can minimize the cardiometabolic risk, causes agitation/akathesia, and may be effective in attenuating psychotic symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manit Srisurapanont
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Sirijit Suttajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Narong Maneeton
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Benchalak Maneeton
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Whitney Z, Procyshyn RM, Fredrikson DH, Barr AM. Treatment of clozapine-associated weight gain: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 71:389-401. [PMID: 25627831 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-015-1807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clozapine is an antipsychotic drug with superior efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine is associated with a low likelihood of extrapyramidal symptoms and other neurological side-effects but a high propensity to induce weight gain and general metabolic dysregulation. Various pharmacological and behavioral treatment approaches for reducing clozapine-associated weight gain exist in the literature; however, there are currently no clear clinical guidelines as to which method is preferred. The aim of the current review is to systematically summarize studies that have studied both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to attenuate or reverse clozapine-associated weight gain. METHODS A systematic review of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases of all articles published prior to January 2014 was conducted. Seventeen studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria and included in the review. RESULTS Aripiprazole, fluvoxamine, metformin, and topiramate appear to be beneficial; however, available data are limited to between one and three randomized controlled trials per intervention. Orlistat shows beneficial effects, but in males only. Behavioral and nutritional interventions also show modest effects on decreasing clozapine-associated weight gain, although only a small number of such studies exist. CONCLUSIONS While a number of pharmacological interventions can produce modest weight loss, each may be associated with negative side effects, which should be considered before beginning treatment. Given the pressing need to improve cardiometabolic health in most clozapine-treated patients, substantially more research is needed to develop sound clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of clozapine-associated weight gain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Whitney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sobiś J, Rykaczewska-Czerwińska M, Świętochowska E, Gorczyca P. Therapeutic effect of aripiprazole in chronic schizophrenia is accompanied by anti-inflammatory activity. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 67:353-9. [PMID: 25712663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight gain and metabolic abnormalities occur in chronic schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, sTNF-R1, IL-12, IL-23, IL-1Ra, TGF-β1, IL-4, and IL-10) after switching to aripiprazole. METHODS Cytokine, hsCRP and insulin measurements were performed in patients (n=17) on day 0 and day 28 of the study using standard ELISA assays. The psychopathological status was assessed using PANSS. WC and BMI were measured and calculated, respectively. RESULTS We observed high clinical efficacy in aripiprazole linked to a 2.7% weight loss. There were statistically significant reductions in PANSS scores and body parameters (p<0.001). After 28 days we detected a significant reduction in hsCRP (p<0.001), insulin (p<0.001), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, sTNF-R1, IL-12, IL-23, IL-1Ra, TGF-β1, IL-4 (p<0.001), IFN-γ (p<0.05) and a significant elevation of IL-10 (p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between IL-10 levels and PANSS positive, negative and total scores after the study (p=0.022, p=0.003, p=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Aripiprazole limits inflammatory processes by enhancing anti-inflammatory signaling. Aripiprazole also reduces the risk of metabolic abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Sobiś
- Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Chair and Department of Psychiatry, Tarnowskie Góry, Poland.
| | - Monika Rykaczewska-Czerwińska
- Medical University of Silesia, School of Public Health, Chair of Toxicology and Drug Addiction, Department of Toxicology and Health Protection, Katowice, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Chair of Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Piotr Gorczyca
- Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Chair and Department of Psychiatry, Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
De Santis M, Pan B, Lian J, Huang XF, Deng C. Different effects of Bifeprunox, Aripiprazole, and Haloperidol on body weight gain, food and water intake, and locomotor activity in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 124:167-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
23
|
Kelly DL, Wehring HJ, Earl AK, Sullivan KM, Dickerson FB, Feldman S, McMahon RP, Buchanan RW, Warfel D, Keller WR, Fischer BA, Shim JC. Treating symptomatic hyperprolactinemia in women with schizophrenia: presentation of the ongoing DAAMSEL clinical trial (Dopamine partial Agonist, Aripiprazole, for the Management of Symptomatic ELevated prolactin). BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:214. [PMID: 23968123 PMCID: PMC3766216 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolactin elevations occur in people treated with antipsychotic medications and are often much higher in women than in men. Hyperprolactinemia is known to cause amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, galactorrhea and gynecomastia in females and is also associated with sexual dysfunction and bone loss. These side effects increase risk of antipsychotic nonadherence and suicide and pose significant problems in the long term management of women with schizophrenia. In this manuscript, we review the literature on prolactin; its physiology, plasma levels, side effects and strategies for treatment. We also present the rationale and protocol for an ongoing clinical trial to treat symptomatic hyperprolactinemia in premenopausal women with schizophrenia. More attention and focus are needed to address these significant side effects and help the field better personalize the treatment of women with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna L Kelly
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Heidi J Wehring
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amber K Earl
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelli M Sullivan
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Feldman
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert P McMahon
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert W Buchanan
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dale Warfel
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William R Keller
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernard A Fischer
- School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,VA Capital Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joo-Cheol Shim
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Trial Center, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Intracellular pathways of antipsychotic combined therapies: implication for psychiatric disorders treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 718:502-23. [PMID: 23834777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctions in the interplay among multiple neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in the wide range of behavioral, emotional and cognitive symptoms displayed by major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. The complex clinical presentation of these pathologies often needs the use of multiple pharmacological treatments, in particular (1) when monotherapy provides insufficient improvement of the core symptoms; (2) when there are concurrent additional symptoms requiring more than one class of medication and (3) in order to improve tolerability, by using two compounds below their individual dose thresholds to limit side effects. To date, the choice of drug combinations is based on empirical paradigm guided by clinical response. Nonetheless, several preclinical studies have demonstrated that drugs commonly used to treat psychiatric disorders may impact common intracellular target molecules (e.g. Akt/GSK-3 pathway, MAP kinases pathway, postsynaptic density proteins). These findings support the hypothesis that convergence at crucial steps of transductional pathways could be responsible for synergistic effects obtained in clinical practice by the co-administration of those apparently heterogeneous pharmacological compounds. Here we review the most recent evidence on the molecular crossroads in antipsychotic combined therapies with antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines, as well as with antipsychotics. We first discuss clinical clues and efficacy of such combinations. Then we focus on the pharmacodynamics and on the intracellular pathways underpinning the synergistic, or concurrent, effects of each therapeutic add-on strategy, as well as we also critically appraise how pharmacological research may provide new insights on the putative molecular mechanisms underlying major psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
25
|
Al Gamal MM, El Tayebani M, Bassim RE. Antipsychotic combinations. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2013. [DOI: 10.1097/01.xme.0000426449.89843.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
26
|
Fan X, Borba CP, Copeland P, Hayden D, Freudenreich O, Goff DC, Henderson DC. Metabolic effects of adjunctive aripiprazole in clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 127:217-26. [PMID: 22943577 PMCID: PMC4327765 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of adjunctive aripiprazole therapy on metabolism in clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia. METHOD In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects received either aripiprazole (15 mg/day) or placebo. At baseline and week 8, metabolic parameters were assessed by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS Thirty subjects completed the study (16 in the aripiprazole group and 14 in the placebo group). Glucose effectiveness measured by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test improved significantly in the aripiprazole group (0.003 ± 0.006 vs. -0.005 ± 0.007/min, P = 0.010). The aripiprazole group showed significant reductions in both plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (-15.1 ± 19.8 vs. 4.4 ± 22.5 mg/dl, P = 0.019) and LDL particle numbers (-376 ± 632 vs. -36 ± 301 nm, P = 0.035). Further, there was a significant reduction in the lean mass (-1125 ± 1620 vs. 607 ± 1578 g, P = 0.011) measured by whole-body DXA scan in the aripiprazole group. All values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, aripiprazole vs. placebo. CONCLUSION Adjunctive therapy with aripiprazole may have some metabolic benefits in clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoduo Fan
- Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Christina P.C. Borba
- Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Paul Copeland
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Doug Hayden
- The Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Oliver Freudenreich
- Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Donald C. Goff
- Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David C. Henderson
- Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang LJ, Ree SC, Huang YS, Hsiao CC, Chen CK. Adjunctive effects of aripiprazole on metabolic profiles: comparison of patients treated with olanzapine to patients treated with other atypical antipsychotic drugs. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 40:260-6. [PMID: 23085073 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic abnormalities are serious adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic treatment. This study aims to determine the effects of adjunctive aripiprazole on metabolic profiles among patients receiving treatment with atypical antipsychotics, and to examine whether these effects are different from that of pre-existing atypical antipsychotics. In the 8-week open-label trial, aripiprazole was added to patients who were receiving treatment with atypical antipsychotics and had experienced weight gain or dyslipidemia. The dosage of pre-existing atypical antipsychotics was fixed, while the dosage of aripiprazole ranged from 5 to 20 mg/day during the study period. Metabolic profiles, including body weight, body mass index (BMI), plasma levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and adiponectin, were measured at baseline and week 8. As a result, 43 subjects (16 males and 27 females, mean age: 37.8±10.8 years) completed the study. The pre-existing antipsychotics were olanzapine (n=12), risperidone (n=19), quetiapine (n=6) and amisulpiride (n=6). The mean dosage of adjunctive aripiprazole was 9.9±3.2 mg/day. After the aripiprazole-augmented regimen for 8 weeks, patients treated with olanzapine had significant decreases in body weight, BMI and triglyceride levels, and had significant increases in adiponectin levels. For patients treated with other atypical antipsychotics, none of the metabolic parameters significantly changed after administering aripiprazole. In conclusion, aripiprazole-augmented treatment might be beneficial for the metabolic regulation of patients being treated with a stable dose of olanzapine, but not for those treated with other atypical antipsychotics. A long-term, randomized, double-blind controlled design is suggested to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
The psychopharmacology algorithm project at the Harvard South Shore Program: an update on schizophrenia. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2013; 21:18-40. [PMID: 23656760 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0b013e31827fd915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This article is an update of the algorithm for schizophrenia from the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program. A literature review was conducted focusing on new data since the last published version (1999-2001). The first-line treatment recommendation for new-onset schizophrenia is with amisulpride, aripiprazole, risperidone, or ziprasidone for four to six weeks. In some settings the trial could be shorter, considering that evidence of clear improvement with antipsychotics usually occurs within the first two weeks. If the trial of the first antipsychotic cannot be completed due to intolerance, try another until one of the four is tolerated and given an adequate trial. There should be evidence of bioavailability. If the response to this adequate trial is unsatisfactory, try a second monotherapy. If the response to this second adequate trial is also unsatisfactory, and if at least one of the first two trials was with risperidone, olanzapine, or a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, then clozapine is recommended for the third trial. If neither trial was with any these three options, a third trial prior to clozapine should occur, using one of those three. If the response to monotherapy with clozapine (with dose adjusted by using plasma levels) is unsatisfactory, consider adding risperidone, lamotrigine, or ECT. Beyond that point, there is little solid evidence to support further psychopharmacological treatment choices, though we do review possible options.
Collapse
|
29
|
Chen Y, Bobo WV, Watts K, Jayathilake K, Tang T, Meltzer HY. Comparative effectiveness of switching antipsychotic drug treatment to aripiprazole or ziprasidone for improving metabolic profile and atherogenic dyslipidemia: a 12-month, prospective, open-label study. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:1201-10. [PMID: 22234928 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111430748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of switching antipsychotic drug-treated patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who evidenced adverse metabolic side effects as indicated by a triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL) ≥ 3.5 to aripiprazole (ARIP; 5-30 mg/day, n = 24) or ziprasidone (ZIP; 40-160 mg/day, n = 28). Anthropometric and metabolic measures, psychopathology, quality of life and motor adverse effects were assessed over a 52-week period with evaluations at baseline, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. There were statistically significant improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), TG, HDL and TG/HDL which did not differ between treatments. However, numerous secondary measures including weight and BMI, and the proportion of patients who lost ≥ 7% or who no longer met criteria for obesity, favored ZIP over ARIP. Decreases in total cholesterol and increases in HDL-cholesterol also favored ZIP. On the other hand, decreases in TG/HDL ratio and reduction in HgbA1c favored ARIP. There were no significant time or group × time interaction effects for most psychopathology measures; however, Global Assessment of Functioning Scores favored ARIP at 6 and 12 months. We conclude that switching patients with evidence of metabolic side effects to either ARIP or ZIP may be beneficial for some, but not all metabolic measures, with minimal risk of worsening of psychopathology and possibly some benefit in that regard as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuejin Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tuscon, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gallego JA, Nielsen J, De Hert M, Kane JM, Correll CU. Safety and tolerability of antipsychotic polypharmacy. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2012; 11:527-42. [PMID: 22563628 PMCID: PMC3384511 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2012.683523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP), the concomitant use of ≥ 2 antipsychotics, is common in clinical practice. Prior reviews have focused on the efficacy of APP, but no systematic review exists regarding the safety and tolerability of this practice. AREAS COVERED A systematic review of adverse effects associated with APP was conducted to prepare this review; case series with ≥ 2 patients, chart reviews, naturalistic, database, cohort and randomized studies that reported on the association between APP in general or specific APP combinations and global or specific adverse effect were included. Methodological limitations of available studies are discussed and recommendations for clinicians and future research are provided. EXPERT OPINION Across mostly small and uncontrolled studies, APP has been associated with increased global side effect burden, rates of Parkinsonian side effects, anticholinergic use, hyperprolactinemia, sexual dysfunction, hypersalivation, sedation/somnolence, cognitive impairment and diabetes. Effects on akathisia and mortality were inconclusive. Although some combinations, particularly aripiprazole augmentation of an agent with greater side effect burden, may reduce weight gain, dyslipidemia, hyperprolactinemia and sexual dysfunction, APP should remain a last-resort treatment option after monotherapy, switching and non-antipsychotic combinations have failed. More data are needed to further inform the individualized risk-benefit evaluation of APP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Gallego
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Jimmi Nielsen
- Centre for Schizophrenia, Aalborg Psychiatric Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marc De Hert
- University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - John M. Kane
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Christoph U. Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Antipsychotic polytherapy (APT) has evolved as a common treatment strategy at odds with recommendations from schizophrenia treatment guidelines. The literature on combinations with clozapine as a means to enhance efficacy and with aripiprazole to reduce side effects was reviewed. No solid evidence supporting antipsychotic combinations with clozapine for treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia was identified. The reason for this may be that most combinations with clozapine increase the D(2)-receptor blockade, and this strategy is probably not efficient for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Some basic and clinical evidence for the addition of aripiprazole to lower prolactin levels was identified. In conclusion, there is very limited support in the evidence for the feasibility of rational APT.
Collapse
|
32
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Porcelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
About one third of patients with schizophrenia respond unsatisfactorily to antipsychotic treatment and are termed "treatment-resistant". Clozapine is still the gold standard in these cases. However, 40%-70% of patients do not improve sufficiently on clozapine either. In the search for more efficacious strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, drugs with different pharmacological profiles seem to raise new hopes, but are they valid? The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for aripiprazole as a potential strategy in monotherapy or combination therapy for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The evidence for aripiprazole monotherapy and for the combination of aripiprazole with psychotropics other than clozapine is scant, and no recommendation can be made on the basis of the currently available data. More effort has been made in describing combinations of aripiprazole and clozapine. Most of the open-label and case studies as well as case reports have shown positive effects of this combination on overall psychopathology and to some extent on negative symptoms. Several reports describe the possibility of dose reduction for clozapine in combination with aripiprazole, a strategy that might help so-called "treatment-intolerant" patients. The findings of four randomized controlled trials with respect to changes in psychopathology seem less conclusive. The most commonly found beneficial effects are better metabolic outcomes and indicators of the possibility of reducing the clozapine dose. However, other side effects, such as akathisia, are repeatedly reported. Further, none of the studies report longer-term outcomes. In the absence of alternatives, polypharmacy is a common strategy in clinical practice. Combining aripiprazole with clozapine in clozapine-resistant or clozapine-intolerant patients seems to be worthy of further investigation from the pharmacological and clinical points of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilufar Mossaheb
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chanachev A, Ansermot N, Crettol Wavre S, Nowotka U, Stamatopoulou ME, Conus P, Eap CB. Addition of aripiprazole to the clozapine may be useful in reducing anxiety in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Case Rep Psychiatry 2011; 2011:846489. [PMID: 22937411 PMCID: PMC3420713 DOI: 10.1155/2011/846489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There exist many case reports and studies on the antipsychotic augmentation by aripirazole in partial responders to clozapine, the most seem to be finding a slight difference in the PANSS and CGI scores after the aripirazole addition. The results of our report are compatible with those of other studies but, we have found a considerable antianxiety action in both of the cases. The 5HT1A agonism of aripirazole could be hypothesized as mechanism contributing to this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Chanachev
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Section Eugene Minkowski, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ansermot
- Unité de Biochimie et Psychopharmacologie Clinique, Centre de Neurosciences Psychiatriques, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Séverine Crettol Wavre
- Unité de Biochimie et Psychopharmacologie Clinique, Centre de Neurosciences Psychiatriques, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Ute Nowotka
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Section Eugene Minkowski, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Eleni Stamatopoulou
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Psychiatrie de Liason-Urgences et Crise, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Conus
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Section Eugene Minkowski, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Chin B. Eap
- Unité de Biochimie et Psychopharmacologie Clinique, Centre de Neurosciences Psychiatriques, Site de Cery, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
De Risio A, Pancheri A, Simonetti G, Giannarelli D, Stefanutto L, Gentile B. Add-on of aripiprazole improves outcome in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1112-6. [PMID: 21447367 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although clozapine proved effective in treating 30-50% of the cases of resistant schizophrenia, its clinical use is hampered by significant side effects. To overcome this problem, augmentation with other atypical antipsychotics has been attempted, with conflicting results. A clozapine-aripiprazole combination showed interesting properties, due to the favourable complementary pharmacodynamic receptor profile and to the negligible metabolic interactions. In this retrospective case series, we investigated the change in BPRS scores and metabolic features like BMI, fasting glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, functional outcome HoNOS Rome and PSP scores after aripiprazole augmentation in 16 persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who were already treated with clozapine. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in metabolic indices, psychopathology and functional outcome measures from baseline to endpoint (6weeks) after augmentation with aripiprazole. Statistically significant correlations were observed between psychopathological and behavioural measures at baseline and at endpoint. Linear regression analysis defined a tripartite model, in which item HoNOS Rome 11, measuring autonomy in everyday life, explained nearly half of functional outcome PSP score predictive variance, together with BPRS total psychopathology score and HoNOS Rome total social functioning score. Adequately conducted randomised double-blind studies should provide further specific data highlighting the role of a clozapine-aripiprazole combination in improving functional outcome of persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Risio
- NHS Health Trust n. 10 Veneto Orientale, Unit of Psychiatry of Portogruaro, Via Forlanini 2, 30026 Portogruaro, Venezia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy refers to the co-prescription of more than one antipsychotic drug for an individual patient. Surveys of prescribing in psychiatric services internationally have identified the relatively frequent and consistent use of combined antipsychotics, usually for people with established schizophrenia, with a prevalence of up to 50% in some clinical settings. A common reason for prescribing more than one antipsychotic is to gain a greater or more rapid therapeutic response than has been achieved with antipsychotic monotherapy. However, the evidence on the risks and benefits for such a strategy is equivocal, and not generally considered adequate to warrant a recommendation for its use in routine clinical practice in psychiatry. Combined antipsychotics are a major contributor to high-dose prescribing, associated with an increased adverse effect burden, and of limited value in helping to establish the optimum maintenance regimen for a patient. The relatively widespread use of antipsychotic polypharmacy identified in cross-sectional surveys reflects not only the addition of a second antipsychotic to boost therapeutic response, but also the use of as-required antipsychotic medication (mainly to treat disturbed behaviour), gradual cross-titration while switching from one antipsychotic to another, and augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic where the illness has failed to respond adequately to an optimized trial of clozapine. This review addresses the clinical trial data and other evidence for each of these pharmacological approaches. Also reviewed are examples of systematic, practice-based interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy, most of which have met with only modest success. Guidelines generally agree that if combined antipsychotics are prescribed to treat refractory psychotic illness, this should be after other, evidence-based, pharmacological treatments such as clozapine have been exhausted. Further, their prescription for each patient should be in the context of an individual trial, with monitoring of the clinical response and adverse effects, and appropriate physical health monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R E Barnes
- Division of Experimental Medicine,Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, London, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Muscatello MRA, Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Micò U, Scimeca G, Di Nardo F, Santoro V, Spina E, Zoccali RA. Effect of aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine in schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Schizophr Res 2011; 127:93-9. [PMID: 21262565 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous prescription of two or more antipsychotic drugs in combination is a common treatment strategy for those patients who have demonstrated a suboptimal response to clozapine; nevertheless, evidence suggesting potential advantages of combination treatment with clozapine plus one antipsychotic in terms of efficacy and tolerability are still sparse. The present 24-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive aripiprazole to clozapine therapy in schizophrenia was aimed to explore the efficacy of aripiprazole add-on pharmacotherapy on clinical symptomatology and cognitive functioning in a sample of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia receiving clozapine. After clinical and neurocognitive assessments patients were randomly allocated to receive, in a double-blind design, either up to 15 mg/day of aripiprazole or a placebo. A final sample of thirty-one patients completed the study. The results obtained indicate that aripiprazole added to stable clozapine treatment showed a beneficial effect on the positive and general psychopathological symptomatology in a sample of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients. Regarding executive cognitive functions, aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine had no significant effects. The findings provide evidence that aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine treatment is well-tolerated and may be of benefit for patients who are partially responsive to clozapine monotherapy; further double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in a larger number of patients are required to evaluate the therapeutic potential of aripiprazole augmentation of clozapine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria A Muscatello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatric and Anaesthesiological Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Potential control of risperidone-related cognitive deficits by adjunctive aripiprazole treatment. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2011; 31:135-6; author reply 136-7. [PMID: 21192163 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e3182048ce6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
39
|
The Fatigue Symptom Inventory: a systematic review of its psychometric properties. Support Care Cancer 2010; 19:169-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-0989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
40
|
Effects of adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole on body weight and clinical efficacy in schizophrenia patients treated with clozapine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 13:1115-25. [PMID: 20459883 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145710000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Clozapine is associated with significant weight gain and metabolic disturbances. This multicentre, randomized study comprised a double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment phase of 16 wk, and an open-label extension phase of 12 wk. Outpatients who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia, who were not optimally controlled while on stable dosage of clozapine for > or =3 months and had experienced weight gain of > or =2.5 kg while taking clozapine, were randomized (n=207) to aripiprazole at 5-15 mg/d or placebo, in addition to a stable dose of clozapine. The primary endpoint was mean change from baseline in body weight at week 16 (last observation carried forward). Secondary endpoints included clinical efficacy, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. A statistically significant difference in weight loss was reported for aripiprazole vs. placebo (-2.53 kg vs. -0.38 kg, respectively, difference=-2.15 kg, p<0.001). Aripiprazole-treated patients also showed BMI (median reduction 0.8 kg/m(2)) and waist circumference reduction (median reduction 2.0 cm) vs. placebo (no change in either parameter, p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Aripiprazole-treated patients had significantly greater reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. There were no significant differences in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score changes between groups but Clinical Global Impression Improvement and Investigator's Assessment Questionnaire scores favoured aripiprazole over placebo. Safety and tolerability were generally comparable between groups. Combining aripiprazole and clozapine resulted in significant weight, BMI and fasting cholesterol benefits to patients suboptimally treated with clozapine. Improvements may reduce metabolic risk factors associated with clozapine treatment.
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Nielsen J, Dahm M, Lublin H, Taylor D. Psychiatrists' attitude towards and knowledge of clozapine treatment. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:965-71. [PMID: 19164499 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108100320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine is, in most countries, underutilized and the initiation of clozapine is often delayed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons for the delay and the underutilization of clozapine. One hundred psychiatrists were interviewed by phone. The interview was a structured interview with questions regarding attitude to, knowledge of and experiences with clozapine. Forty-eight (48%) psychiatrists had treatment responsibility of fewer than five patients treated with clozapine and 31 of the interviewed psychiatrists (31%) had started clozapine within the last 3 months. Seven psychiatrists (7%) had never prescribed clozapine despite the fact that they had been working more than five years in general psychiatry. Sixty-four psychiatrists (64%) would rather combine two antipsychotics than use clozapine. Sixty-six psychiatrists (66%) believed that patients treated with clozapine were less satisfied with their treatment when compared with those treated with other atypical antipsychotics. Many psychiatrists are reluctant to use clozapine and this might be due to less experience and knowledge of clozapine. A reason for the low awareness of clozapine's properties might be that clozapine is now a generic drug, and therefore, the marketing and education in using the drug is sparse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Nielsen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Aalborg Psychiatric Hospital, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Benedetti A, Di Paolo A, Lastella M, Casamassima F, Candiracci C, Litta A, Ciofi L, Danesi R, Lattanzi L, Del Tacca M, Cassano GB. Augmentation of clozapine with aripiprazole in severe psychotic bipolar and schizoaffective disorders: a pilot study. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2010; 6:30-5. [PMID: 20648219 PMCID: PMC2905769 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901006010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the augmentation of clozapine with aripiprazole in patients with treatment-resistant schizoaffective and psychotic bipolar disorders in a retrospective manner. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between the two drugs were also investigated. PATIENTS Three men and 4 women (median age 36 and 40 years, respectively) who had mean scores at BPRS and CGI-Severity of 59.1+/-12.0 and 5.4+/-0.5, respectively, were treated with clozapine (mean dose 292.9+/-220.7 mg/day). Patients received an adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole (mean dose 6.8 +/- 3.7 mg/day). Clozapine, norclozapine and aripiprazole plasma levels were measured by means of a high performance liquid chromatograpy with UV detection. RESULTS Total scores at BPRS decreased significantly (from 59.1+/-12.0 to 51.1+/-15.6, p=0.007) after aripirazole augmentation. In particular, the factors "thought disorder" (from 10.4+/-4.4 to 9.0+/-4.5, p=.047) and "anergia" (from 10.0+/-2.7 to 8.0+/-2.4, p=.018) significantly improved. Concomitant administration of aripiprazole and clozapine did not result in an increase in side effects over the period of treatment. Dose-normalized plasma levels of both clozapine and norclozapine and the clozapine/norclozapine metabolic ratio in all patients did not vary as well. CONCLUSION The augmentation of clozapine with aripirazole was safe and effective in severe psychotic schizoaffective and bipolar disorders which failed to respond to atypical antipsychotics. A possible pharmacokinetic interaction between clozapine and aripiprazole does not account for the improved clinical benefit obtained after aripiprazole augmentation.
Collapse
|
44
|
Mossaheb N, Spindelegger C, Asenbaum S, Fischer P, Barnas C. Favourable results in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients under combination of aripiprazole with clozapine. World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 11:502-5. [PMID: 20218805 DOI: 10.3109/15622970802269597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine is still the gold standard in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, a substantial amount of patients do not fully recover on clozapine monotherapy. Though there is still a lack of randomised controlled studies of combination strategies in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, they are widely used. Aripiprazole is a relatively new therapeutic option due to its partial D2 agonism. Both clozapine and aripiprazole, though having a generally favourable side-effect profile, may lead to insufficient response and might provoke side effects in monotherapy. We report the case of four patients in whom we observed a distinct clinical improvement with respect to positive and negative symptoms without major side effects under a combination of clozapine and aripiprazole. The combination of clozapine action and aripiprazole-mediated D(2) receptor regulation could be responsible for the described favourable effects and for the increase of D(2) receptor blockade after adding aripiprazole to clozapine observed in one patient. A combination of clozapine and aripiprazole may be an effective therapeutic strategy for some schizophrenic patients, leading to a good response with respect to positive and negative symptoms without the occurrence of major side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilufar Mossaheb
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
This article summarizes the current knowledge base on the diagnosis and management of treatment resistant schizophrenia. While the prevalence of treatment resistant schizophrenia is definition dependent, estimates have ranged from 30% to up to 60%. This article first looks into the various diagnostic criteria of treatment resistant schizophrenia. Then the literature is reviewed about the pharmacotherapeutics of its management. Clozapine emerges to be the gold standard. In addition risperidone and high dose olanzapine also emerge as clinically useful options. Other emerging adjunctive treatment options are equally addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R K Solanki
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Center, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mercier C, Bret P, Bret MC, Queuille E. Enquête observationnelle de prescription de la clozapine au centre hospitalier Charles-Perrens à Bordeaux, plus de 15 ans après l’AMM en France. Encephale 2009; 35:321-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
47
|
Goodwin G, Fleischhacker W, Arango C, Baumann P, Davidson M, de Hert M, Falkai P, Kapur S, Leucht S, Licht R, Naber D, O'Keane V, Papakostas G, Vieta E, Zohar J. Advantages and disadvantages of combination treatment with antipsychotics ECNP Consensus Meeting, March 2008, Nice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:520-32. [PMID: 19411165 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
TERMINOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES OF COMBINING ANTIPSYCHOTICS WITH A SECOND MEDICATION: The term "combination" includes virtually all the ways in which one medication may be added to another. The other commonly used terms are "augmentation" which implies an additive effect from adding a second medicine to that obtained from prescribing a first, an "add on" which implies adding on to existing, possibly effective treatment which, for one reason or another, cannot or should not be stopped. The issues that arise in all potential indications are: a) how long it is reasonable to wait to prove insufficiency of response to monotherapy; b) by what criteria that response should be defined; c) how optimal is the dose of the first monotherapy and, therefore, how confident can one be that its lack of effect is due to a truly inadequate response? Before one considers combination treatment, one or more of the following criteria should be met; a) monotherapy has been only partially effective on core symptoms; b) monotherapy has been effective on some concurrent symptoms but not others, for which a further medicine is believed to be required; c) a particular combination might be indicated de novo in some indications; d) The combination could improve tolerability because two compounds may be employed below their individual dose thresholds for side effects. Regulators have been concerned primarily with a and, in principle at least, c above. In clinical practice, the use of combination treatment reflects the often unsatisfactory outcome of treatment with single agents. ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN MANIA: There is good evidence that most antipsychotics tested show efficacy in acute mania when added to lithium or valproate for patients showing no or a partial response to lithium or valproate alone. Conventional 2-armed trial designs could benefit from a third antipsychotic monotherapy arm. In the long term treatment of bipolar disorder, in patients responding acutely to the addition of quetiapine to lithium or valproate, this combination reduces the subsequent risk of relapse to depression, mania or mixed states compared to monotherapy with lithium or valproate. Comparable data is not available for combination with other antipsychotics. ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN MAJOR DEPRESSION: Some atypical antipsychotics have been shown to induce remission when added to an antidepressant (usually a SSRI or SNRI) in unipolar patients in a major depressive episode unresponsive to the antidepressant monotherapy. Refractoriness is defined as at least 6 weeks without meeting an adequate pre-defined treatment response. Long term data is not yet available to support continuing efficacy. SCHIZOPHRENIA: There is only limited evidence to support the combination of two or more antipsychotics in schizophrenia. Any monotherapy should be given at the maximal tolerated dose and at least two antipsychotics of different action/tolerability and clozapine should be given as a monotherapy before a combination is considered. The addition of a high potency D2/3 antagonist to a low potency antagonist like clozapine or quetiapine is the logical combination to treat positive symptoms, although further evidence from well conducted clinical trials is needed. Other mechanisms of action than D2/3 blockade, and hence other combinations might be more relevant for negative, cognitive or affective symptoms. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: SSRI monotherapy has moderate overall average benefit in OCD and can take as long as 3 months for benefit to be decided. Antipsychotic addition may be considered in OCD with tic disorder and in refractory OCD. For OCD with poor insight (OCD with "psychotic features"), treatment of choice should be medium to high dose of SSRI, and only in refractory cases, augmentation with antipsychotics might be considered. Augmentation with haloperidol and risperidone was found to be effective (symptom reduction of more than 35%) for patients with tics. For refractory OCD, there is data suggesting a specific role for haloperidol and risperidone as well, and some data with regard to potential therapeutic benefit with olanzapine and quetiapine. ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS IN SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS: Cardio-metabolic risk in patients with severe mental illness and especially when treated with antipsychotic agents are now much better recognized and efforts to ensure improved physical health screening and prevention are becoming established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Goodwin
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nosè M, Accordini S, Artioli P, Barale F, Barbui C, Beneduce R, Berardi D, Bertolazzi G, Biancosino B, Bisogno A, Bivi R, Bogetto F, Boso M, Bozzani A, Bucolo P, Casale M, Cascone L, Ciammella L, Cicolini A, Cipresso G, Cipriani A, Colombo P, Dal Santo B, De Francesco M, Di Lorenzo G, Di Munzio W, Ducci G, Erlicher A, Esposito E, Ferrannini L, Ferrato F, Ferro A, Fragomeno N, Parise VF, Frova M, Gardellin F, Garzotto N, Giambartolomei A, Giupponi G, Grassi L, Grazian N, Grecu L, Guerrini G, Laddomada F, Lazzarin E, Lintas C, Malchiodi F, Malvini L, Marchiaro L, Marsilio A, Mauri MC, Mautone A, Menchetti M, Migliorini G, Mollica M, Moretti D, Mulè S, Nicholau S, Nosè F, Occhionero G, Pacilli AM, Pecchioli S, Percudani M, Piantato E, Piazza C, Pontarollo F, Pycha R, Quartesan R, Rillosi L, Risso F, Rizzo R, Rocca P, Roma S, Rossattini M, Rossi G, Rossi G, Sala A, Santilli C, Saraò G, Sarnicola A, Sartore F, Scarone S, Sciarma T, Siracusano A, Strizzolo S, Tansella M, Targa G, Tasser A, Tomasi R, Travaglini R, Veronese A, Ziero S. Rationale and design of an independent randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of aripiprazole or haloperidol in combination with clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Trials 2009; 10:31. [PMID: 19445659 PMCID: PMC2689216 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-10-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One third to two thirds of people with schizophrenia have persistent psychotic symptoms despite clozapine treatment. Under real-world circumstances, the need to provide effective therapeutic interventions to patients who do not have an optimal response to clozapine has been cited as the most common reason for simultaneously prescribing a second antipsychotic drug in combination treatment strategies. In a clinical area where the pressing need of providing therapeutic answers has progressively increased the occurrence of antipsychotic polypharmacy, despite the lack of robust evidence of its efficacy, we sought to implement a pre-planned protocol where two alternative therapeutic answers are systematically provided and evaluated within the context of a pragmatic, multicentre, independent randomised study. METHODS/DESIGN The principal clinical question to be answered by the present project is the relative efficacy and tolerability of combination treatment with clozapine plus aripiprazole compared with combination treatment with clozapine plus haloperidol in patients with an incomplete response to treatment with clozapine over an appropriate period of time. This project is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial that follow patients over a period of 12 months. Withdrawal from allocated treatment within 3 months is the primary outcome. DISCUSSION The implementation of the protocol presented here shows that it is possible to create a network of community psychiatric services that accept the idea of using their everyday clinical practice to produce randomised knowledge. The employed pragmatic attitude allowed to randomly allocate more than 100 individuals, which means that this study is the largest antipsychotic combination trial conducted so far in Western countries. We expect that the current project, by generating evidence on whether it is clinically useful to combine clozapine with aripiprazole rather than with haloperidol, provides physicians with a solid evidence base to be directly applied in the routine care of patients with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Nosè
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Accordini
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine and Public Health University of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Barale
- Department of Applied Health and Behavioral Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Gerardo Bertolazzi
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale- Servizio Psichiatrico Area sud-ULSS 22, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Biancosino
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, University of Ferrara and Department of Mental Health, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Bivi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, University of Ferrara and Department of Mental Health, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Filippo Bogetto
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Universita' degli Studi di Torino, Italy
| | - Marianna Boso
- Department of Applied Health and Behavioral Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcello Casale
- Unità Operativa Salute Mentale, distretto 112/113, ASL Salerno 3, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Ciammella
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, ASL n. 3 " Genovese", Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Cicolini
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Colombo
- Psychiatric Unit of Bollate, Department of Mental Health, Hospital "G. Salvini", Garbagnate Milanese, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Psichiatria, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ducci
- UOC, SPDC, Ospedale San Filippo Neri, ASL RM E, Roma, Italy
| | - Arcadio Erlicher
- Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda", Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Esposito
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferrannini
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, ASL n. 3 " Genovese", Genova, Italy
| | - Farida Ferrato
- Unità Operativa n42, Rho, Azienda Ospedaliera "G. Salvini", Garbagnate Milanese, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Frova
- Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda", Milano, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Garzotto
- First Psychiatric Service, ULSS 20, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Grassi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, University of Ferrara and Department of Mental Health, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Natalia Grazian
- Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda", Milano, Italy
| | - Lorella Grecu
- ASF-Toscana (Centro Salute Mentale del MOM-SMA Q2), Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Camilla Lintas
- First Psychiatric Service, ULSS 20, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Lara Malvini
- Unità Operativa n42, Rho, Azienda Ospedaliera "G. Salvini", Garbagnate Milanese, Milano, Italy
| | - Livio Marchiaro
- Struttura Complessa di Psichiatria, A.S.L. CN1, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Mautone
- Unità Operativa Salute Mentale, distretto 112/113, ASL Salerno 3, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Mollica
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, ASL n. 3 " Genovese", Genova, Italy
| | | | - Serena Mulè
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Stylianos Nicholau
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale- Servizio Psichiatrico Area sud-ULSS 22, Verona, Italy
| | - Flavio Nosè
- Second Psychiatric Service, ULSS 20, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mauro Percudani
- Psychiatric Unit of Bollate, Department of Mental Health, Hospital "G. Salvini", Garbagnate Milanese, Milano, Italy
| | - Ennio Piantato
- SPDC c/o Azienda Osp. Naz. Ss Antonio E Biagio-Alessandria, Italy
| | - Carlo Piazza
- Fourth Psychiatric Service, ULSS 20, San Bonifacio, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Pontarollo
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Roger Pycha
- Servizio Psichiatrico di Brunico (BZ), Azienda Sanitaria di Bolzano, Italy
| | - Roberto Quartesan
- Sezione di Psichiatria, Psicologia Clinica e Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Risso
- Struttura Complessa di Psichiatria, A.S.L. CN1, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Raffella Rizzo
- Second Psychiatric Service, ULSS 20, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Universita' degli Studi di Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Roma
- UOC, SPDC, Ospedale San Filippo Neri, ASL RM E, Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossattini
- Clinical Psychiatry, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Sala
- Centro di Salute Mentale di Vicenza (ULSS 6), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Claudio Santilli
- Sezione di Psichiatria, Psicologia Clinica e Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saraò
- ASF-Toscana (Centro Salute Mentale del MOM-SMA Q2), Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Tiziana Sciarma
- Sezione di Psichiatria, Psicologia Clinica e Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Psichiatria, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy
| | | | - Michele Tansella
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Gino Targa
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, University of Ferrara and Department of Mental Health, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annamarie Tasser
- Servizio Psichiatrico di Brunico (BZ), Azienda Sanitaria di Bolzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Veronese
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Clozapine is the first choice antipsychotic medication for treatment-refractory schizophrenia; however, there are some disadvantages in using clozapine. A few reports have appeared concerning switching from clozapine to other antipsychotics for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. This report describes the case of a 58-year-old female patient with treatment-refractory schizophrenia who was successfully switched from clozapine 300 mg/day to aripiprazole 20 mg/day because of changes in consciousness. After the switch to aripiprazole, the patient's psychotic condition improved. As expected, we identified few successful cases of switches from clozapine in our search of the literature. Although controlled clinical trial data support use of clozapine in treatment-refractory schizophrenia, some patients cannot tolerate this agent or it may increase the risk of physical problems for some patients. In such situations, clinicians may want to consider prescribing a different antipsychotic or adding another antipsychotic and decreasing the dosage of clozapine.
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Olanzapine treatment has been associated with clinically meaningful weight increases, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. There are few options for olanzapine responders who fail other antipsychotic agents. Aripiprazole is a potent (high-affinity) partial agonist at D2 and 5-HT1A receptors and a potent antagonist at 5-HT2A receptor and is associated with less weight gain than olanzapine. We report the results of a 10-week placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study that examined 15 mg/d aripiprazole's effects on weight, lipids, glucose metabolism, and psychopathology in overweight and obese schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder subjects treated with a stable dose of olanzapine. During the 4 weeks of aripiprazole treatment, there were significant decreases in weight (P = 0.003) and body mass index (P = 0.004) compared with placebo. Total serum cholesterol (P = 0.208), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P = 0.99), HDL-2 (P = 0.08), HDL-3 (P = 0.495), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.665) did not change significantly comparing aripiprazole treatment to placebo treatment. However, total serum triglycerides (P = 0.001), total very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C; P = 0.01), and VLDL-1C and VLDL-2C (P = 0.012) decreased significantly during the aripiprazole treatment phase. The VLDL-3C tended lower during aripiprazole, but the decrease was not significant (P = 0.062). There was a decrease in C-reactive protein comparing aripiprazole treatment to placebo, although it did not reach significance (P = 0.087). The addition of aripiprazole to a stable dose of olanzapine was well tolerated and resulted in significant improvements on several outcome measures that predict risk for medical morbidity.
Collapse
|