title: Serum calcium and magnesium levels in chronic schizophrenics.
abstract: Serum calcium and magnesium levels were studied during neuroleptic treatment in a group of 29 chronic schizophrenic inpatients who had previously remained drug free for at least 4 weeks. The drug-free values of both electrolytes were not significantly different between patients and controls. In three patients who developed catatonic stupor during the drug-free period, calcium was significantly increased at the onset of the catatonic manifestations. Both electrolytes were significantly decreased in the whole group during treatment; the magnitude of the decrease was independent of the neuroleptic used. No correlation was found between the observed increase in prolactin and calcium changes. Patients who remained free of extra-pyramidal symptoms had a higher mean drug-free magnesium to calcium ratio compared to those who developed such symptoms. Our study provides evidence for an interconnection between serum electrolyte changes and neuroleptic drug action.
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005476:Fluphenazine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008152:Loxapine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010868:Pimozide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D010868:Pimozide; D008274:Magnesium; D008152:Loxapine; D005476:Fluphenazine; D002118:Calcium