A randomized, controlled comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of low and high doses of haloperidol in the treatment of first-episode psychosis.

Abstract

While haloperidol is still widely used in the treatment of psychoses, the optimal daily dose remains a topic of controversy, particularly in first-episode psychosis. Previous studies have suggested that doses as low as 2 mg/d may be effective, whereas others have indicated superiority for higher over lower doses. This double-blinded, randomized controlled study compared the efficacy and tolerability of 2 vs. 8 mg/d of haloperidol over 6 wk in 40 subjects with first-episode psychosis. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing the PANSS Total and subscale scores. The low dose of haloperidol was better tolerated, with fewer extrapyramidal side-effects, less frequent use of anticholinergic medication and smaller elevations in prolactin levels. Using a low dose of haloperidol is at least as effective as, and better tolerated than a high dose of haloperidol in the treatment of first-episode psychosis.

• Authors: Piet Oosthuizen, Robin Emsley, H Jadri Turner, Natasha Keyter
• Journal: The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (Int J Neuropsychopharmacol) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 125-31 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 1461-1457 [Print] England
• PMID: 15003147 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Prolactin
• Haloperidol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antipsychotic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Interactions
• Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced (epidemiology)
• Female
• Haloperidol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prolactin (blood)
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Psychotic Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Schizophrenia (drug therapy)