Remoxipride in the treatment of psychoses

In Sweden the atypical neuroleptic drug remoxipride has now been used in routine treatment of psychoses for almost two years. Over 7,000 patients have been treated. During that time both advantages and problems, foreseen and unforeseen, have been encountered. This paper is based on clinical experiences and the discussion is illustrated by five short case-histories. The most important points of the discussion are: As expected, remoxipride seems to produce less extrapyramidal side-effects than traditional neuroleptics. Patients experience less, if any, impairment in cognitive functioning than with traditional neuroleptics. Patients experience less inhibition of feelings and emotions than with traditional neuroleptics, which most often is of great positive value but may also create problems when feelings and emotions get overwhelming and difficult to handle. It is very important that patients get adequate psychological support and attention from the psychiatric team when changing from a traditional neuroleptic drug to remoxipride.