Zotepine, a neuroleptic drug with a bipolar therapeutic profile

Zotepine, a new tricyclic compound, was investigated in 20 schizophrenic patients in two different dosage groups. Group I (n = 8) received Zotepine in a high dosage of 270 mg +/- 37 mg/die. The other group (group II; n = 12) received a low dosage of 168 mg +/- 15 mg/die. In both groups 2 patients dropped out before the end of the treatment period because of clinical deterioration. In both groups, Zotepine manifested a rapid antipsychotic effect, good tolerability, and sedative properties during the initial days. Additionally there was a stronger positive influence on negative symptoms in the group with low dosage treatment.