Withdrawal symptoms after long-term treatment with low-potency neuroleptics.
Twenty-six chronic schizophrenic outpatients receiving low-potency anticholinergic neuroleptics were switched over periods of up to 2 years to an equivalent dose of high-potency neuroleptics. Of these patients, 85% experienced withdrawal symptoms, mainly insomnia, anxiety, and tensional restlessness. Complete withdrawal of low-potency medication was achieved during the study period in 9 patients only. The mean duration of treatment with low-potency neuroleptics was 15 years and the mean dose was 147 mg chlorpromazine equivalents/day. It is suggested that new symptoms associated with withdrawal of low-potency neuroleptics may lead to overcompliance by patients and difficulty in achieving the minimum therapeutic dosage. Thus, low-potency neuroleptics would not appear suitable for the long-term treatment of most schizophrenic patients.
D000328:Adult; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002746:Chlorpromazine