Quetiapine XR – A New Retard Formulation in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

introduction of atypical antipsychotics. These second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) share similarities in terms of their side effect and receptor profiles, e.g. lower affinity to dopamine D2 and affinity to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors. These characteristics are supposed to account for the ‘atypical’ properties of second-generation antipsychotics, and thus SGAs induce much fewer extra-pyramidal motor symptoms (EPS).1–3 However, other side effects such as sedation, metabolic changes and considerable weight gain,4 which can lead to further medical non-compliance,5 became a major problem.6 In the last few years of treatment in schizophrenia, response has ceased to be the predominant goal, but remission of symptoms and recovery have become reasonable aims.7,8 A precondition to achieve recovery and the reintegration of schizophrenic patients into social life and work is long-term drug adherence.9 Non-adherence to treatment has a negative impact on several factors important in the treatment of schizophrenic patients.10 Simpler dosing regimens and fewer side effects help to establish higher rates of drug adherence.11–13