Neuroleptic drug utilisation for acute schizophrenia

The aim of this study was to find the dosage and pattern of neuroleptic drug utilisation for the treatment of acute schizophrenia in a general psychiatry ward. This is an uncontrolled study involving 112 schizophrenic inpatients. Patients' socio-demographic variables, the type and peak daily doses of neuroleptics prescribed to them were analysed. Chlorpromazine was the most commonly prescribed drug. The peak mean daily dose required by the patients was equivalent to 537 mg of chlorpromazine; and 400 to 600 mg/ day of chlorpromazine or its equivalent was generally sufficient to treat acute psychosis. The majority of the patients received neuroleptics within this dose range. Low potency drugs were prescribed in lower doses than high potency drugs. Patients treated with depot preparation tended to receive higher doses of medication than those prescribed oral medication alone. The doses of neuroleptics were significantly correlated with duration of admission.