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Flupenthixol versus haloperidol in acute psychosis
Pharmatherapeutica
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Flupenthixol drops demonstrated faster symptom relief in schizophrenic patients and improved mood and negative symptoms compared to haloperidol drops. Both antipsychotic treatments resulted in extrapyramidal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acutely psychotic patients require effective treatment for symptom management.
- Antipsychotic medications are a cornerstone in managing psychosis, with various agents available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and side-effect profiles of flupenthixol drops and haloperidol drops in acutely psychotic patients.
- To investigate potential differences in symptom relief, mood elevation, and negative symptom impact.
Main Methods:
- An open, 28-day controlled study involving 40 acutely psychotic patients.
- Patients were randomized to receive either flupenthixol drops or haloperidol drops.
- Dosages averaged 112 mg/day for flupenthixol and 18 mg/day for haloperidol.
Main Results:
- Both flupenthixol and haloperidol exhibited antipsychotic effects.
- Flupenthixol showed a trend towards more rapid symptom relief in schizophrenic patients.
- Flupenthixol demonstrated mood-elevating properties and improved negative symptoms, unlike haloperidol.
Conclusions:
- Flupenthixol may offer advantages over haloperidol in managing psychotic symptoms, mood, and negative symptoms.
- Extrapyramidal side effects were common with both drugs, initially more frequent with flupenthixol but similar over time.