title: A retrospective study of clinical usage of quetiapine XR and quetiapine IR in outpatients with schizophrenia in Denmark.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. This non-interventional study (NCT01212575) evaluated the clinical use of its two formulations, extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR), in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who had received at least one dose of quetiapine XR and/or IR were included. A dosage ≥400 mg/day was defined as antipsychotic. Medical records data were collected retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 186 enrolled patients, 99 (53%) and 87 (47%) received quetiapine XR and IR, respectively. Use in antipsychotic dosage was seen for 89% XR versus 63% IR patients (mean daily dose ≥400 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 75% XR and 53% IR patients used dosages ≥600 mg/day (p = 0.0019). Quetiapine XR was used at higher mean daily dosages than IR (748 vs 566 mg/day; p = 0.006). Forty-three patients (23%) used both formulations concomitantly; 55 patients (30%) used either XR or IR. Quetiapine IR was used as-needed in 44 patients (23%); one patient used XR as-needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quetiapine XR was used more often in higher (antipsychotic) dosages; quetiapine IR more frequently on an as-needed administration basis. Concomitant use was seen. These findings probably reflect the different profiles of XR/IR and advocate the need for both formulations to offer treatment choice.
authors.affiliation: OPUS Klinikken, Risskov, Denmark. chaembor@rm.dk
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Emborg
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hallerbäck
authors.forename: Leif
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jörgensen
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carlborg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003718:Denmark; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate