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Paliperidone ER versus risperidone for neurocognitive function in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized,
Sung-Wan Kim1, Young-Chul Chung, Yo-Han Lee
1Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|July 20, 2012
Summary
Switching to paliperidone extended release (ER) from risperidone improved verbal learning recall and social functioning in schizophrenia patients. Side effects were similar between the two antipsychotic medications.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Schizophrenia treatment often involves antipsychotic medications like risperidone.
- Cognitive deficits and impaired social functioning are significant challenges in schizophrenia.
- Paliperidone extended release (ER) is an alternative antipsychotic with a similar pharmacological profile to risperidone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of switching to paliperidone ER versus continuing risperidone on cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.
- To evaluate the impact of these treatments on social and occupational functioning and depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, randomized, open-label study involving 58 schizophrenia patients on risperidone.
- Patients were randomized to either continue risperidone or switch to paliperidone ER.
- Neurocognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery; other measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Social and Occupational Functioning Scale, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in verbal learning recall were observed in the paliperidone ER-switch group compared to the risperidone-continuation group.
- The paliperidone ER-switch group also showed significantly greater improvements in social and occupational functioning.
- No significant differences were found in other neurocognitive domains or other efficacy measures between the groups.
- Paliperidone ER exhibited a similar side-effect profile to risperidone, including metabolic and prolactin-related issues.
Conclusions:
- Switching from risperidone to paliperidone ER may offer additional benefits for cognitive and social functioning in schizophrenia.
- Paliperidone ER represents a viable treatment option for schizophrenia patients experiencing persistent cognitive and functional deficits.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone ER in this population.
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