title: Zotepine versus other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In many countries of the industrialised world, second generation (atypical) antipsychotic drugs have become first line treatment for people with schizophrenia. The question as to whether the effects of various second generation antipsychotic drugs differ is a matter of debate. In this review we examined how the efficacy and tolerability of zotepine differs from that of other second generation antipsychotic drugs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of zotepine compared with other second generation antipsychotic drugs for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (April 2007) which is based on regular searches of BIOSIS, CENTRAL CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included all randomised trials comparing oral zotepine with oral forms of amisulpride, aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, sertindole or ziprasidone in people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis based on a random effects model. We calculated numbers needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) where appropriate. For continuous data, we calculated weighted mean differences (MD) again based on a random effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The review currently includes data from two short term, ill reported trials (total n=109). Both studies compared zotepine with clozapine. 34% of people left early but there was no significant difference between groups. Zotepine was less effective than clozapine (no clinically significant response: n=59, 1 RCT, RR 8.23 CI 1.14 to 59.17, NNH 3 CI 2 to 8; average score (BPRS total) at endpoint (n=59, 1 RCT, MD 6.00 CI 2.17 to 9.83). Zotepine induced more movement disorders than clozapine (use of antiparkinson medication: n=59, 1 RCT, RR 18.75 CI 1.17 to 301.08, NNH 3 CI 2 to 5) and higher prolactin levels (n=59, 1 RCT, MD 33.40 CI 14.87 to 51.93). Data on important other outcomes such as other adverse events, service use or satisfaction with care were not available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Zotepine may be less effective than clozapine and associated with more movement disorders and higher prolactin levels, but the evidence base is too small and prone to bias, making any practical recommendations impossible. There is no randomised evidence on the effects of zotepine compared to second generation antipsychotic drugs other than clozapine. More studies are possible to justify.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Technische Universität München Klinikum rechts der Isar, Moehlstrasse 26, München, Germany, 81675.
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Komossa
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rummel-Kluge
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hunger
authors.forename: Franziska
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kissling
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leucht
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003988:Dibenzothiepins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003988:Dibenzothiepins; D003024:Clozapine; C022172:zotepine