[Bromperidol decanoate in the residual phase of schizophrenia]

We assessed the safety and therapeutic efficacy of bromperidol decanoate in a six-month open trial on 21 patients (13 males and 8 females), mean age 41.3 years, who were no longer in the acute phase and were being treated as outpatients. The recommended initial dosage was 150 mg bromperidol (one 3 ml ampoule), and this did not in fact have to be increased during the trial. The scores for psychotic symptom rating scales (SAPS, SANS, BPRS, HAM-D and social adaptation scale) were analysed by analysis of variance, which indicated that bromperidol decanoate was effective on almost all parameters. Adverse reactions were reported for 14.3% of the patients, indicating that the drug was very well tolerated; only three patients complained of a total of seven adverse events. In conclusion, bromperidol decanoate was effective in the treatment of residual schizophrenia, with significant differences between before and after treatment ratings for symptoms. The drug was well tolerated, only one patient dropping out on account of adverse reactions.