Early serum levels of neuroleptics do not predict therapeutic response in schizophrenia.
Thirty-six acute schizophrenics were included in a 28-day open treatment study with the neuroleptic perazine. Peak serum levels of parent drug and its main inactive metabolite desmethyl-perazine were assessed 2 hours after an oral test dose given at the beginning of the study. Whereas peak levels of perazine were not significantly different in treatment responders and nonresponders, desmethyl-perazine was significantly higher in nonresponders. The ratio between desmethyl-perazine and perazine was not predictive of (non-) response to neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenia.
Gaebel
W
W
Psychiatrische Klinik und Poliklinik, Freien Universität Berlin, FRG.
Müller-Oerlinghausen
B
B
Schley
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010464:Perazine / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010640:Phenothiazines / Q000097:blood; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010640:Phenothiazines; C017636:10-piperazinylpropylphenothiazine; D010464:Perazine