title: Switching antipsychotic medications.
abstract: Compared with conventional antipsychotics, the so-called "atypical" antipsychotics promise improved side effect profiles and better control of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, most patients currently taking conventional antipsychotics could potentially benefit from a switch to an atypical antipsychotic. Often, the key issue in deciding whether to switch is the presence of countervailing factors that mitigate against the change. This paper discusses the indications and contraindications for switching antipsychotics, plus issues that require consideration before a switch is made. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of various switching techniques are discussed, with a particular focus on the newer antipsychotic olanzapine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Weiden
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aquila
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dalheim
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Standard
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003024:Clozapine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D003024:Clozapine; D000077152:Olanzapine