Long-acting antipsychotics in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Part II. The management of medication, integration of the multiprofessional team and perspectives from the formulation of new generation of long-acting antipsychotics

Abstract

Among various topics, this second part addresses indication and beginning of treatment, dose inter-individual variability and interval between injections, appointment frequency and special strategies during treatment relapse. Considering that poor adherence to antipsychotic treatment is a major factor in schizophrenic relapse, that the new generation of antipsychotic drugs, despite lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects and better overall tolerability, did not change this condition in relation to conventional drugs and in view of the superiority of depot antipsychotics in comparison with conventional ones administered orally, the long-acting formulation of new generation antipsychotics can certainly improve the adherence and regularity of the medication regimen and decrease relapse rates in patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, family participation in treatment is of great importance, as well as the attitude and integration of the medical team in realizing different tasks.