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Relapse in patients with schizophrenia: a comparison between risperidone and haloperidol
Eduardo Pondé de Sena1, Rogério Santos-Jesus, Angela Miranda-Scippa
1University Hospital Prof. Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil. eduponde@ufba.br
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|August 26, 2004
Summary
In schizophrenia treatment, risperidone and haloperidol showed similar relapse rates. However, haloperidol-treated patients experienced a shorter time to relapse, indicating potential differences in long-term efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Schizophrenia treatment often involves antipsychotic medications.
- Comparing the efficacy of different antipsychotics is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Risperidone and haloperidol are commonly used in managing schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare rehospitalization rates and time to relapse between risperidone and haloperidol in schizophrenia patients post-discharge.
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these two antipsychotic medications.
Main Methods:
- A one-year randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Flexible doses of risperidone and haloperidol were administered to schizophrenia patients.
- Relapse rates and time to relapse were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Six patients (30.0%) on risperidone and 3 (23.1%) on haloperidol relapsed, with no significant difference in proportion (p=1.00).
- Time to relapse was significantly shorter for patients treated with haloperidol (logrank =4.2; p=.04).
- Median hospital stay upon rehospitalization was 34.5 days for risperidone vs. 61 days for haloperidol (p=.61).
Conclusions:
- The proportion of schizophrenia patients relapsing was comparable between risperidone and haloperidol groups.
- Haloperidol-treated patients demonstrated a shorter time to relapse compared to risperidone-treated patients.