Double-blind comparison of half-dose and standard-dose flupenthixol decanoate in the maintenance treatment of stabilised out-patients with schizophrenia.
A double-blind controlled trial of 50% dose reduction in maintenance treatment in stable out-patients with low BPRS scores and good social function shows a significantly higher relapse rate in the low-dose group at 12 months (P less than 0.05). After an interval of 24-36 months from dose reduction, 56-76% had experienced a relapse and 76-79% had resumed their former dosage. No clear advantage was shown for the lower dose in either a reduction of side-effects or improved social function, but a reduced prevalence or lower rate of symptom emergence for tardive dyskinesia was suggested.
Johnson
D A
DA
Pastures Hospital.
Ludlow
J M
JM
Street
K
K
Taylor
R D
RD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005475:Flupenthixol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013892:Thioxanthenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013892:Thioxanthenes; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; C007761:flupenthixol decanoate; D005475:Flupenthixol