Psychiatric Bulletin (1996) 20: 660-661. doi: 10.1192/pb.20.11.660
© 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Micro-titration of depot neuroleptic dosages
Jim Birch
North Shields CMHT, 26a Hawkeys Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear
Depot neuroleptic treatments can be compromised by side-effects unacceptable to users or, more seriously, by tardive dyskinesia (TD). Neuroleptic dosages can be lowered to increase acceptability and decrease the incidence of TD, but with a greater likelihood of relapse. One argument proposes that many patients changing to lower dosages break down because withdrawal from a neuroleptic is stressful in itself. Research suggests that withdrawal regimes should be radically cautious. A computer tool is offered which can aid clinicians in calculating small reductions.
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.