Effects of loxapine on the sleep of chronic schizophrenics

The sleep patterns of four male chronic schizophrenic patients were monitored throughout the various phases of a 1-year therapeutic trial with loxapine succinate, a newly developed neuroleptic. Compared with the initial drug-free baseline, the early drug period was characterized by an increase in REM percentage, REM density, and REM activity. During the drug maintenance period, the increase in REM phasic events was accompanied by an increase in total sleep. Severe insomnia was noted during the initial period of drug withdrawal. The absence of time lag between changes in drug administration schedule and the associated alterations in sleep patterns was in contrast with the time latency of the therapeutic response. This neuroleptic on sleep and on psychopathology are mediated by different mechanisms.