[Drug treatment of schizophrenia].
BACKGROUND
Drug treatment is important, though only part of the treatment and support that most schizophrenic patients need. The aim of this article is to present current knowledge and opinion concerning start of treatment, drug of first choice, treatment of refractory schizophrenia, treatment of co-morbidity, treatment during pregnancy and lactation, and the proper time to stop medication.


METHODS
The article is based on a review of recent literature and contact with experts in the field. Literature was identified through searches on Medline and Web of Science.


CONCLUSIONS
The antipsychotic effect of the second-generation, atypical neuroleptics is comparable to the effect of conventional drugs. Clozapine is still the drug of choice for refractory conditions. The new antipsychotics seem to have properties that improve cognition and reduce the risk of motor side effects; hence they have some advantages over conventional drugs.
Jørgensen
Hugo A
HA
Psykiatrisk institutt Universitetet i Bergen Sandviken sykehus Sandviksleitet 1 5035 Bergen. hugo.jorgensen@psyk.uib.no
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents