Switching patients from olanzapine or risperidone to a combination treatment using perphenazine plus buspirone: evaluation of antipsychotic efficacy and side-effects, including extrapyramidal effects and weight loss.
In this pilot study, we have investigated the effects of switching from olanzapine or risperidone treatment to low-dose perphenazine combined with buspirone in six schizophrenic patients who had experienced weight gain. We found no relapse as to psychotic symptoms measured by the CGI-S scale and no exacerbation of extrapyramidal side-effects as measured by the Simpson-Angus Scale. In addition, we observed a medium weight reduction of 10.5 kg (range 1-20 kg).
Andersen
T H
TH
Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark. than@fa.dk
Bech
P
P
Larsen
N-E
NE
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002065:Buspirone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003718:Denmark; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010546:Perphenazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010546:Perphenazine; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine; D002065:Buspirone