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Trimipramine--an atypical neuroleptic?
G Eikmeier1, M Berger, E Lodemann
1Department of General Psychiatry, University of Essen, Germany.
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Trimipramine may possess antipsychotic properties, showing significant improvement in schizophrenia symptoms. This study suggests trimipramine
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trimipramine and clozapine share receptor binding similarities, particularly D2 receptor affinity.
- D2 receptor affinity is a strong indicator of antipsychotic potency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential antipsychotic efficacy of trimipramine in patients with acute schizophrenia.
- To evaluate trimipramine's effectiveness and side effect profile in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- An open clinical trial involving 28 patients with acute schizophrenia.
- Patients were treated with trimipramine up to 400 mg/d.
- Symptom severity was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).
Main Results:
- The overall BPRS total score decreased significantly from 58 to 46 (p < 0.05).
- Thirteen patients achieved good remission and were discharged on maintenance treatment, with BPRS scores improving from 58 to 32.
- Six patients deteriorated and were withdrawn; nine showed insufficient improvement or worsening.
Conclusions:
- Trimipramine demonstrated potential antipsychotic efficacy in acute schizophrenia, with notable improvement in florid psychotic symptoms compared to placebo.
- Common side effects were observed, and one case of cardiac insufficiency occurred; no significant extrapyramidal side effects were noted.