Switching of antipsychotics to aripiprazole in the treatment of schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
A sudden change in antipsychotics in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia might worsen the clinical condition or induce a relapse of psychotic symptoms. This study reports on shifting from other antipsychotics to aripiprazole during the course of treatment, with further analysis of factors related to a successful switch.


METHODS
An observational study was conducted. Study subjects included 45 patients with schizophrenia whose medication was changed from other antipsychotics to aripiprazole. The reasons for the change, course of illness, and types and dosage of antipsychotics previously used were collected. The clinical severity before and 12 weeks after switching or at termination were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale.


RESULTS
The majority (71.1%) of the study subjects changed antipsychotics because of adverse effects from previous medications. About 70% successfully completed the switch. Patients who had been taking second-generation antipsychotics(SGAs), had less clinically severe disease, or had a shorter course of illness were able to make a smoother transition to aripiprazole. Reported adverse events related to the transition were mild and infrequent.


CONCLUSIONS
Not all antipsychotics can be successfully switched to aripiprazole, a novel antipsychotic. Apart from clinical factors, a successful change of antipsychotics also depends on the complexity and the pharmacological properties, as well as the duration of administration of previous antipsychotics.
Lin
Huang-Chi
HC
Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Chong
Mian-Yoon
MY
Lee
Yu
Y
Yeh
Wei-Chiang
WC
Lin
Pao-Yen
PY
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole