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...
Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Cambridge University Press
2022-06-01
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Series: | European Psychiatry |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933822018661/type/journal_article |
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.
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ISSN: | 0924-9338 1778-3585 |