NYMC Faculty Publications
First Page
1529
Last Page
1537
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-9-2016
Department
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
When treating persons with schizophrenia, delaying time to relapse is a main goal. Antipsychotic medication has been the primary treatment approach, and there are a variety of different choices available. Lurasidone is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic agent that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Three long-term studies of lurasidone have examined time to relapse in persons with schizophrenia, including a classic placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study and two 12-month active comparator studies (vs risperidone and vs quetiapine extended-release). Lurasidone 40-80 mg/d evidenced superiority over placebo (number needed to treat [NNT] vs placebo for relapse, 9). Lurasidone 40-160 mg/d was noninferior to quetiapine extended-release 200-800 mg/d on the outcome of relapse, and was superior on the outcome of avoidance of hospitalization (NNT 8) and the outcome of remission (NNT 7). Lurasidone demonstrated a lower risk for long-term weight gain than the active comparators. Demonstrated differences in tolerability profiles among the different choices of antipsychotics make it possible to attempt to match up an individual patient to the best choice for such patient based on past history of tolerability, comorbidities, and personal preferences, potentially improving adherence.
Recommended Citation
Citrome, L. (2016). Schizophrenia relapse, patient considerations, and potential role of lurasidone. Patient Preference and Adherence, 10, 1529-1537. doi:10.2147/PPA.S45401
Publisher's Statement
Originally published in Patient Preference and Adherence (Dove Medical Press). Licensed under CC-BY-NC 3.0. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S45401