Tiaspirone in schizophrenia

It was predicted that tiaspirone, a novel compound, would benefit schizophrenic patients since in animal experiments it is a potent dopamine blocker. Following a placebo washout period of 1 to 2 weeks, 14 patients were treated for 28 days with the drug in a single-blind, dose ranging trial. GAS, NOSIE, and BPRS scores all showed significant improvement. No serious adverse effects were found. The absence of extrapyramidal symptoms was particularly encouraging since 10 of the 14 subjects had previously had them on other neuroleptics. Tiaspirone may represent a step forward in the search for a safer antipsychotic.