Continuous versus extended antipsychotic dosing in schizophrenia: Less is more

Antipsychotic drugs temper psychotic symptoms by interacting with dopamine D2 receptors to reduce neurotransmission. Currently, the standard of care involves antipsychotic treatment protocols that achieve steady-state levels medication. Maintaining patients on continuous is thought be necessary keep them stabilised. However, exposure increases risk adverse effects over time. These include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, extrapyramidal complications, receptor supersensitivity, latter which could potentially promote both tolerance psychosis relapse. In present review, we describe evidence showing can not only worsen long-term outcome, but—past acute phase treatment—it also unnecessary effectively manage schizophrenia symptoms. We regular but extended dosing, allowing predictable periods lower levels/D2 occupancy, safe effective in patients, it greatly reduces drug overall. Studies laboratory animals show compared exposure, dosing actually has superior antipsychotic-like efficacy, substantially likelihood motor side supersensitivity. propose regular, should considered people schizophrenia, because available suggests just as treatment, while decreasing overall reducing harmful effects.