[A new injectable delayed-action neuroleptic with sedative and antipsychotic action: cis-(Z)-clopenthixol decanoate. Clinical trials]

70 psychiatric patients were treated with a depot preparation of cis (Z) clopenthixol decanoate, a new sedative and anti-psychotic neuroleptic. The mean dosage interval was two weeks, an amount of drug from 50 to 1000 mg for each I.M. injection. Significant improvements were obtained on thinking disturbance, hostile-suspiciousness and anxious-depression symptoms groups. Thus, paranoid schizophrenia seems the best indication of cis (Z) clopenthixol decanoate. Side effects (parkinsonism, weight increase) were of low intensity, and no depression was observed. This new long-acting depot neuroleptic may be used not only in hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients, but also in outpatients as maintenance treatment: excellent results were obtained in such patients with a very low (less than 200 mg) fortnightly dosage. Advantages and indications of cis (Z) clopenthixol decanoate are discussed.