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[Perospirone therapy in elderly patients with schizophrenia]
Takuya Masui1, Hiroshi Honma, Chihiro Kondo
1Tokachi National Mental Hospital.
Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi = Psychiatria Et Neurologia Japonica
|December 19, 2003
Summary
Perospirone, a novel serotonin-2 and dopamine-2 receptor antagonist (SDA), shows promise for treating elderly schizophrenia patients. Case studies indicate efficacy in reducing positive and negative symptoms with a favorable side-effect profile.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Perospirone is a novel serotonin-2 and dopamine-2 receptor antagonist (SDA) developed in Japan.
- Premarketing trials indicated perospirone's efficacy in schizophrenia, but included limited elderly patients.
- The utility of perospirone in elderly individuals with schizophrenia remains largely uninvestigated.
Observation:
- This report details the successful treatment of two elderly patients with schizophrenia using perospirone.
- Case 1, experiencing acute exacerbation, showed marked symptom reduction within 4 days of 12 mg daily perospirone.
- Case 2, with severe negative and extrapyramidal symptoms, improved on perospirone after risperidone withdrawal.
Findings:
- Perospirone significantly reduced positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in both elderly patients, as measured by the PANSS.
- Case 1's PANSS total score improved from 78 to 38 in six weeks with no noted extrapyramidal symptoms.
- Case 2 experienced improvement in sialorrhea, muscle rigidity, tremor, and dystonia, assessed by the DIEPSS.
Implications:
- Perospirone may be a valuable antipsychotic option for elderly patients with acute schizophrenia.
- The distinct clinical profiles of perospirone and risperidone warrant further investigation, despite both being SDAs.
- Further research is essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of perospirone in the elderly schizophrenia population, who are more susceptible to adverse effects.