Effects of switching to long-acting injectable risperidone from oral atypical antipsychotics on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate changes in cognitive function and clinical features following a switch from oral atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) to long-acting injectable risperidone (LAIR) in patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with schizophrenia treated with oral AAPs participated in this open-label, 26-week study. Cognitive functions were measured at baseline and at 12 and 26 weeks. The secondary outcome measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), Scale for Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD), and measurements for extrapyramidal symptoms.


RESULTS
Significant improvements in cognitive function were observed in the backward Digit Span Test, Verbal Learning Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, correct responses on the Continuous Performance Test, and Trail Making Test part B following a switch to LAIR. Scores on the PANSS, SOFAS, SUMD, and the Simpson-Angus Rating Scale also improved significantly. Most improvements in neurocognitive function were not correlated with clinical measures. Weight gain and hyperprolactinemia were the most common adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
Switching from oral AAPs to LAIR improved cognitive function including vigilance, verbal learning and memory, executive function, sustained attention, and visuomotor speed in patients with schizophrenia. It was also effective for improving psychotic symptoms, social functioning, and insight.
Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School and Clinical Trial Center, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Sung-Wan
SW
Kim
Il-Seon
IS
Shin
Jae-Min
JM
Kim
Seung-Hyun
SH
Lee
Yo-Han
YH
Lee
Su-Jin
SJ
Yang
Jin-Sang
JS
Yoon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D018967:Risperidone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone