Effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics for substance use in schizophrenia patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the influence of medication class (atypical antipsychotic, typical antipsychotic and no medication) and compliance on substance use outcomes for schizophrenia patients in the community.


METHODS
N=362 adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder were followed for 3 years in a naturalistic study with structured interviews at 6-month intervals. Multivariable time-series analysis was performed using propensity-score adjustment for selection to medication class.


RESULTS
Participants who were compliant with atypical antipsychotic medications for 90 days or more during each 6-month period were significantly less likely to use substances during the next 6-month period than patients who were compliant with typical antipsychotics or those who were not prescribed either type of medication for at least 90 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Atypical antipsychotics may offer an advantage in reducing substance use among schizophrenia patients. For patients to benefit from atypical antipsychotics, treatment should focus on enhancing compliance and integrating substance use treatment.
Swanson
Jeffrey
J
Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, United States. jeffrey.swanson@duke.edu
Van Dorn
Richard A
RA
Swartz
Marvin S
MS
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents