Alternative starting regimen with aripiprazole long-acting treatments, a case report

Introduction Aripiprazole long-acting treatments can significantly control symptom, improve adherence and reduce the risk of relapse compared to oral drugs. An alternative start-up guideline has recently been approved in several countries that simplifies its administration. Objectives To present a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: M. Huete Naval, B. Serván, M.E. Expósito Durán, P. Albarracin, E. Herrero Pellón, R. Galerón
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2022-06-01
Series:European Psychiatry
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933822018661/type/journal_article
Description
Summary:Introduction Aripiprazole long-acting treatments can significantly control symptom, improve adherence and reduce the risk of relapse compared to oral drugs. An alternative start-up guideline has recently been approved in several countries that simplifies its administration. Objectives To present a case report of a patient with schizophrenia treated with alternative starting regimen of aripiprazole long-acting treatment. Methods Presentation of a clinical case supported by a non-systematic review of literature. Results We present the case of a 22-year-old patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, whose symptoms started after the birth of her son, 2 years ago. She has presented a poor clinical evolution, requiring several admissions to our inpatient service after discontinuation of her medication. The patient has taken different antipsychotics, including olanzapine and paliperidone long-acting treatment, which were suspended due to side effects (weight gain and increased prolactin levels). A switch to oral aripiprazole 20mg was made, which showed good response and tolerance. Given the persistence of irregular intake, it was decided to switch to aripiprazole long-acting treatment, applying an alternative initial regime consisting of two doses of aripiprazole long-acting treatments 400mg and one oral aripiprazole 20mg. The patient has since had no delusions or hallucinations and is living independently at home. Conclusions The administration of a simplified initial regime with aripiprazole long-acting treatments could improve therapeutic adherence while maintaining the same effectiveness and similar side effects. Disclosure No significant relationships.
ISSN:0924-9338
1778-3585