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Anozie IG, James BO, Omoaregba JO, Oriji SO, Erohubie PO, Enebe AC. Correlates of high-dose antipsychotic prescription amongst outpatients with Schizophrenia in a Nigerian Hospital. S Afr J Psychiatr 2022; 28:1791. [PMID: 35547105 PMCID: PMC9082254 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v28i0.1791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment guidelines recommend the use of antipsychotic monotherapy at effective doses for the treatment of schizophrenia, although about a third of the sufferers still receive high-dose antipsychotic treatment. Current evidence suggests that high-dose antipsychotic prescription (HDAP) not only fails to improve outcomes but also increases side effects. Aim Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDAP and its association with illness severity, medication adherence behaviour and side effects amongst outpatients with schizophrenia. Setting The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study of 320 attendees with schizophrenia at the outpatient department was undertaken. We administered a sociodemographic and antipsychotic medication questionnaire, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effects Rating Scales and Medication Adherence Rating Scales. High-dose antipsychotic prescription was determined by the ratio of prescribed daily dose to defined daily dose greater than 1.5. Results The prevalence of HDAP was 38.4%. Greater severity of illness, experiencing more side effects and poor medication adherence were significantly associated with HDAP.The major predictors of HDAP were antipsychotic polypharmacy and concurrent anticholinergic use. Conclusion We conclude that although the use of HDAP amongst patients with schizophrenia remains common, its persistent use should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihechiluru G Anozie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Bawo O James
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Joyce O Omoaregba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Sunday O Oriji
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
- Department of Mental Health, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Paul O Erohubie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
- Department of Mental Health, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Anthony C Enebe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
- Department of Mental Health Services, Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Asaba, Nigeria
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Mahmood S, Hussain S, Ur Rehman T, Barbui C, Kurdi AB, Godman B. Trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic medicines in Pakistan: implications for the future. Curr Med Res Opin 2019; 35:51-61. [PMID: 30122062 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2018.1513834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: There is a paucity of antipsychotic prescribing and utilization data in Pakistan that needs addressing, especially with issues of availability, affordability, gender differences, and domestic violence, to develop pertinent strategies. The objective of this study was to address these issues by describing current antipsychotic utilization patterns in Pakistan among adult patients attending tertiary care hospitals and private practitioners.Methods: A three staged approach was used including (1) assessment of total antipsychotic utilization, expenditure, and costs per unit between 2010 and 2015, (2) an in-depth retrospective study of prescribing patterns, including co-morbidities among representative hospital patients in Pakistan, and (3) assessment of the quality of prescribing against WHO targets.Results: Total use of antipsychotics increased 4.3-fold and the cost/unit increased by 13.2% during the study period. Risperidone and olanzapine were the most prescribed antipsychotics with more limited use of other typical and atypical antipsychotics. The number of medicines per encounter was 4.56. Prescription using generic instead of brand names was 21.4%. Seven per cent were prescribed more than one antipsychotic concurrently.Conclusion: There has been an appreciable increase in antipsychotic utilization in recent years in Pakistan, especially atypical antipsychotics, with little polypharmacy. Ongoing utilization of typical antipsychotics may be due to comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Issues of international non-proprietary name prescribing need investigating along with the high number of medicines per encounter and gender inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Taufeeq Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Amanj Baker Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Economics Centre, Liverpool University Management School, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Guanteng Province, South Africa
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Abdelmawla N, Mitchell AJ. Sudden cardiac death and antipsychotics Part 2: Monitoring and prevention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/apt.12.2.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac safety of antipsychotic drugs continues to be a concern for both typical and atypical antipsychotics. Risk appears greatest in those with pre-existing cardiac disease but many patients may have occult cardiovascular disease. In addition, several drugs appear to increase the likelihood of diabetes and weight gain, which may have an additive adverse effect. On the basis of risk of sudden cardiac death and risk of QTc prolongation we suggest considering antipsychotics in two categories – higher and lower risk. Of most concern is the use of large cumulative doses of antipsychotics that are sometimes given inadvertently by different prescribers. Clinicians need to be aware how to read an ECG, and how to monitor physical parameters and interpret the significance of QTc prolongation in relation to antipsychotic prescribing. We suggest provisional guidance on antipsychotic monitoring in relation to cardiac safety but acknowledge that future studies will help clarify which antipsychotic drugs and which concomitant risk factors are most important for those with and without established cardiac disease.
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Lelliott P, Paton C, Harrington M, Konsolaki M, Sensky T, Okocha C. The influence of patient variables on polypharmacy and combined high dose of antipsychotic drugs prescribed for in-patients. PSYCHIATRIC BULLETIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/pb.26.11.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aims and MethodA1-day census, involving 3576 psychiatric in-patients prescribed antipsychotic medication, was conducted as a prelude to a multi-centre audit. The aim was to explore the extent to which a number of patient variables explain antipsychotic polypharmacy and the use of high doses of these drugs.ResultsPrescriptions of more than one type of antipsychotic drug were made for 50.5% of patients. Patient factors that influenced the probability of polypharmacy were: younger age, being male, detained under the Mental Health Act and on a rehabilitation or forensic ward, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The effect of ethnicity was not significant. Polypharmacy was the most powerful factor influencing the probability of being prescribed a high dose. Identified patient variables accounted for only 18% of the variance in dose prescribed.Clinical ImplicationsThe patient and clinician factors that account for the unexplained variance need to be identified.
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Moran M, Raju B, Saunders J, Meagher D. Achieving evidence-based prescribing practice in an adult community mental health service. PSYCHIATRIC BULLETIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/pb.30.2.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aims and MethodPrescribing in everyday practice frequently deviates from evidence-based guidelines. Previous work compared practice in a community mental health service with evidence-based guidelines and identified factors related to suboptimal prescribing. This study reports the impact of a multifaceted intervention on prescribing practice. A Prescribing Practice Quality (PPQ) score was generated from six key aspects of prescribing at initial assessment and again 1 year later after an intervention to reduce suboptimal prescribing practices.ResultsA total of 264 patients were attending the service at both the initial and follow-up phase and were thus exposed to the prescribing intervention. In this population, PPQ scores were significantly lower at follow-up (0.96v.0.67,P<0.001). Improved prescribing practice was predicted by receipt of adjunctive supportive inputs, such as anxiety management (P=0.003).Similarly, mean PPQ scores substantially decreased when the total patient population was considered at each time point (0.75 in 2001 and 0.52 in 2002). These results suggest a reduction in both the initiation and continuation of suboptimal practices.Clinical ImplicationsPrescribing in real-world settings can be improved by interventions that target multiple aspects of service activity. The provision of supportive inputs is a key factor in improving practice.
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Finny P, Stephen C, Jacob R, Tharyan P, Seshadri MS. Jasmine flower extract lowers prolactin. Trop Doct 2014; 45:118-22. [PMID: 25505191 DOI: 10.1177/0049475514560212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic drugs frequently cause amenorrhoea and galactorrhoea. Jasmine flowers used topically were as effective as oral Bromocriptine in suppressing puerperal lactation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal jasmine flower extract (JFE) to reduce prolactin levels of patients on stable doses of antipsychotic drugs. METHOD This is a randomized, double blind, crossover clinical trial. An aqueous-ethanol extract of jasmine flowers was prepared and used as nasal drops. A decrease in serum prolactin of ≥25 ng/mL was considered a significant response. RESULTS Ten out of 35 women had a significant drop in the serum prolactin while on the JFE. The non-responders to JFE were on higher doses of antipsychotic drugs. The main side effect was a transient and mild burning sensation in the nose. A cost analysis favoured JFE over dopamine agonists. CONCLUSION JFE contains a prolactin-lowering substance which needs further characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Finny
- Registrar, Department of Endocrinology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Charles Stephen
- Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Rajesh Jacob
- Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Prathap Tharyan
- Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Mandalam S Seshadri
- Professor, Department of Endocrinology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Mahmoud A, Hayhurst KP, Drake RJ, Lewis SW. Sexual function of patients with schizophrenia receiving first-generation (FGA) or second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) treatment. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2012; 16:148-52. [PMID: 22122652 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2011.625122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate sexual function in patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment with a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) or a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drug. Sexual function is an important aspect of human experience, which can be affected by antipsychotic drug treatment. Sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia may be less prevalent with SGA than with FGA drug treatment. METHODS A cross-sectional prevalence study assessed sexual function in a sample of 144 patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia aged between 18 and 65, using the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning (self-report version: DISF-SR). Two equal-sized groups (N = 72) received treatment with an FGA or an SGA drug for at least 12 weeks. RESULTS No significant differences were seen on DISF-SR total score or subscale score between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS There are no differences in measured sexual function of non-randomised patients with schizophrenia treated with an FGA compared with SGA-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mahmoud
- Mental Health & Neurodegeneration Research Group, School of Community Based Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ben Makhlouf W, Besbes C, El Hechmi Z. Doses d’entretien des neuroleptiques dans le traitement au long cours de la schizophrénie. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2007.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lai YC, Huang MC, Chen CH, Tsai CJ, Pan CH, Chiu CC. Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a direct switch from conventional depot to risperidone long-acting injection in Chinese patients with schizophrenic and schizoaffective disorders. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 63:440-8. [PMID: 19457210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.01977.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This 12-week open-label study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a direct switch from a conventional depot to long-acting injectable risperidone in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. METHODS Men or women from 18 to 65 years old with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were eligible for participation if they had been treated with conventional depot for at least 8 weeks before study entry. Intramuscular long-acting risperidone was administered starting from 25 mg, with the dose flexibly adjusted every two weeks for 12 weeks from week 4. RESULTS Of the 25 patients enrolled in this study, 21 completed at least one post-baseline assessment and were thus included in the analysis. The mean serum concentration of risperidone plus 9-hydroxyrisperidone was 29.1 ng/mL at the 12th week after switching, with an average injection dose of 31.25 mg long-acting risperidone every two weeks. The levels of active moiety of risperidone seemed to be higher in Chinese patients compared to those in Caucasian patients. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores (from 67.5 to 56.4; P = 0.002), scores for negative symptoms (P = 0.006) and general symptoms (P = 0.001) were improved significantly 12 weeks after the switch. Mean Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale scores were improved significantly from 20.1 to 5.5 (P < 0.001). Significantly decreased levels of cholesterol and triglyceride were found at the 12th week. The levels of fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and bodyweight remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that switching from conventional depot to long-acting risperidone is feasible with the advantage of symptom reduction and side-effect profile decrement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ching Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lass J, Männik A, Bell JS. Pharmacotherapy of first episode psychosis in Estonia: comparison with national and international treatment guidelines. J Clin Pharm Ther 2008; 33:165-73. [PMID: 18315782 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2008.00900.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The pharmacotherapy of psychosis often differs between countries and with respect to treatment guidelines. Little is known about the treatment of first episode psychosis in countries of the former Soviet Union. The objective of the study was to analyse and describe the pharmacotherapy of first episode psychosis in Estonia. METHODS Case notes for consecutive patients with schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorders admitted to the psychiatry clinics of the North Estonia Regional Hospital (NERH) and Tartu University Hospital (TUH) between September 2005 and September 2006 were retrospectively reviewed by a trained researcher. Treatment regimens were assessed according to prescribed doses, the incidence of antipsychotic polypharmacy and prescribing of conventional vs. atypical agents. RESULTS There were 234 patients admitted to the NERH and TUH, 142 of which were included in the final analyses (mean age 30.3 years for males, 40.4 years for females). Patients were most frequently treated with risperidone (n = 94), olanzapine (n = 43), chlorpromazine (n = 31), haloperidol (n = 21) and quetiapine (n = 24). Fourteen patients received concurrent treatment with two or more antipsychotics for three or more treatment days. Nine patients received antipsychotics in doses exceeding the maximum recommended doses in the British National Formulary. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacotherapy of first episode psychosis in Estonia was largely consistent with Estonian and international guidelines, however, the use of conventional antipsychotics and antipsychotic polypharmacy remained common. Estonian treatment guidelines may need to be revised to reflect the best available research evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lass
- Pharmacy Department, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
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Vidal CEL, Gontijo ECDM, Bandeira MB. Avaliação das habilidades de vida independente e comportamento social de pacientes psiquiátricos desospitalizados. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1590/s0101-81082007000300009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento social e as habilidades de vida independente de um grupo de pacientes psiquiátricos antes de sua saída do hospital e 2 anos após a sua transferência para as residências terapêuticas. MÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal, realizado em duas etapas distintas, antes e depois, utilizando-se, como instrumentos, as escalas Independent Living Skills Survey e Social Behavior Scale. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (58,7%), com médias de idade e tempo de internação iguais a 57,5±11,8 anos e 29,8±10,2 anos; 54,6% tinham diagnóstico de esquizofrenia; 25,3%, de deficiência mental; e o restante, de categorias várias. Houve melhora significativa no comportamento social e no grau de autonomia dos pacientes (p <0,05) ao se comparar os escores dos pacientes nas escalas, nas fases 1 e 2. As variáveis que mais se associaram com o escore de evolução foram idade, tempo de internação e nível inicial de funcionamento dos pacientes. DISCUSSÃO: As limitações no funcionamento social e no grau de autonomia dos pacientes, na primeira fase do estudo, não foram incompatíveis com a convivência na comunidade. Os pacientes apresentaram evolução satisfatória no comportamento social e nas habilidades cotidianas ao longo de 2 anos, de acordo com os escores de evolução medidos pelas duas escalas.
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Acosta‐Armas A, Cooper M, Jacob C, Churchward S. High‐dose antipsychotic prescriptions at a forensic psychiatric hospital: is there a need for implementation of a monitoring form? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1108/14636646200400015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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