title: Delivery systems and dosing for antipsychotics.
abstract: Schizophrenia is a devastating illness, affecting approximately 1-2 % of the world population. Age of onset is generally between 20 and 30 years of age with a chronic, unremitting course for the duration of the patient's life. Although schizophrenia is among the most severe and debilitating illnesses known to medicine, its treatment has remained virtually unchanged for over 50 years. This chapter covers several major concepts in experimental drug development and delivery: (1) the concept of "typical" vs. "atypical" classifications for antipsychotic drugs as it relates to dosing; (2) the development of depot formulations for improved medication adherence; and (3) several promising areas for future therapeutic advances related to the methods and duration of drug administration. These areas include sublingual, injectable, and implantable drug delivery strategies that have the potential to effect rapid and dramatic improvements in schizophrenia outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. cara.rabin@gmail.com
authors.forename: Cara R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rabin
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants