Significance of neuroleptic dose and plasma level in the pharmacological treatment of psychoses

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1988 Jan;45(1):79-91. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1988.01800250095013.

Abstract

The clinical use of antipsychotic agents may be enhanced by considering their dose-effect characteristics. In particular, assessment of immediate and later follow-up treatment of psychotic patients (1) indicates that moderate doses are adequate for most patients, (2) fails to support the utility of unusually high doses, and (3) even suggests the existence of a biphasic relationship of antipsychotic efficacy to dose of neuroleptics and possibly to plasma concentrations of the drugs as well. Trends toward lesser overall clinical benefits of high doses may reflect untoward extrapyramidal or other central nervous system effects leading to behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Thus, moderate doses of neuroleptics appear, on average, to be about as effective as, and probably safer than, the larger doses that have been popular in the United States in recent years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / blood
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents