Continuation treatment with adjunctive imipramine in schizophrenia

An open continuation treatment trial was undertaken for schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients with postpsychotic depressions who had manifested favorable responses to initial treatment with adjunctive imipramine added to their fluphenazine decanoate and benztropine regimen. Of 27 patients enrolled, none had a psychotic or depressive relapse, and 23 completed the 6-month study. The patients did well; completers' Global Assessment Scale scores improved with statistical significance during the trial. Side effects also appeared to improve during the trial. The results therefore support continuation treatment with adjunctive antidepressant medication for those patients with postpsychotic depressions who initially respond favorably to this regimen.