Melperone in treatment-refractory schizophrenia: a case series.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Clozapine is the treatment of choice in refractory schizophrenia, but a substantial proportion of patients experience inadequate response or tolerate the drug poorly. Melperone has been suggested as a possible alternative in such patients. This case series examines the efficacy of melperone in refractory schizophrenia.

METHOD:

All patients prescribed melperone at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust were identified using a pharmacy database. The main outcome was to determine the proportion of patients discharged on melperone.

RESULTS:

Three of 21 patients were discharged on melperone. The primary reason for discontinuation was lack of efficacy.

CONCLUSION:

Melperone may be an option in a very few patients with refractory schizophrenia, but it should not be considered as an alternative to clozapine.

• Authors: Eromona Whiskey, Marta Vavrova, Fiona Gaughran, David Taylor
• Journal: Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology (Ther Adv Psychopharmacol) Vol. 1 Issue 1 Pg. 19-23 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 2045-1253 [Print] England
• PMID: 23983923 (Publication Type: Journal Article)