Auditing Clinical Outcomes after Introducing Off-Licence Prescribing of Atypical Antipsychotic Melperone for Patients with Treatment Refractory Schizophrenia. (1st April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Röhricht, Frank; Gadhia, Seema; Alam, Rinku; Willis, Melissa
• Other Names: Dursun Serdar Murat Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-04-01
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/2012/512047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Aims and Method . To evaluate the practical utility of off-licence prescribing and clinical outcomes of treatment with atypical antipsychotic Melperone. Method : Prospective data collection on patient's clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results . 17 patients with a diagnosis of refractory schizophrenia were identified as suitable for off-license prescribing of Melperone and commenced treatment (13 were previously treated with Clozapine). Seven of those currently remain on Melperone (41%), and for six patents, the BPRS symptom scores reduced significantly over time (24–61%) additionally patients displayed improvements of their quality of life. Six patients were discontinued due to noncompliance and/or side effects. Melperone was ineffective in the other four patients. Clinical Implications . The example of a small group of patients responding well to a comparably safe and inexpensive atypical antipsychotic with favourable side effect profile should encourage clinicians to use this tool as third-line treatment and to conduct more systematic clinical research.