[Intraindividual comparison of haloperidol decanoate and oxyprothepine in maintenance therapy in schizophrenic...

In an open intraindividual comparison of haloperidol and oxyprothepine decanoates there was a tendency in favour of haloperidol decanoate. At the end of 9 months' maintenance treatment there were no statistically significant differences in the global BPRS score, CGI and individual BPRS items with exception of paranoidity. No differences in the occurrence of rehospitalizations and ambulatory relapses were found. As for side effects with haloperidol decanoate a higher occurrence of akathisia and a lower mean weigh increase (2 kg v. 4 kg) were observed and twice more pts had no side effects in comparison with oxyprothepine decanoate, but also these differences were not statistically significant. Taking into consideration the differences found (even if not statistically significant) and the individual reactivity, it seems to us advantageous to have a broader choice of depot neuroleptics.