Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia.
The introduction of the new-generation antipsychotics has changed the way we treat patients with schizophrenia. This article reviews these agents, focusing mainly on the published randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses in which the new-generation antipsychotics are compared with placebo, conventional antipsychotics or with one another. Agents included are risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, sertindole, amisulpride and aripiprazole. Acute-phase and maintenance studies are reviewed, as well as randomized trials for pre-psychotic, first-episode schizophrenia and refractory schizophrenia. Finally, specific areas of current clinical interest are dealt with. These are: conventional vs. new-generation antipsychotics, head-to-head comparisons of new-generation antipsychotics, and side-effect profiles.
Emsley
Robin
R
Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. rae@sun.ac.za
Oosthuizen
Piet
P
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents