Long-Acting Injectable Risperidone in the Treatment of Schizophrenia in Special Patient Populations

Objective: Although atypical antipsychotic agents are effective in the treatment of schizophrenia, certain populations such as the elderly, young adults or those with a first episode of schizophrenia, and patients with schizoaffective disorder require special consideration when selecting pharmacotherapy. The introduction of a long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic, long-acting risperidone, may be of benefit in these special groups. To determine the effectiveness of long-acting risperidone, the literature was reviewed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-acting risperidone in these populations. The impact of race was also considered. Experimental Design: Studies published between January 2002 and November 2005 were reviewed as identified from literature searches using MEDLINE and Embase. The primary research parameter was “long-acting risperidone” and literature pertaining to these particular patient groups selected. Abstracts and posters on long-acting risperidone presented at key psychiatry congresses were also reviewed during this time period. Principle Observations: Results demonstrated that long-acting risperidone is effective and well tolerated in elderly patients, young patients or those with a first episode of schizophrenia, patients with schizoaffective disorder, and patients of different ethnicity. All patient groups demonstrated improvements in mean total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity Scale scores. Long-acting risperidone also reduced relapse rates and had a favourable tolerability profile. As such, long-acting risperidone has the potential to improve compliance in these vulnerable patient groups. Conclusions: Given the data presented here, further investigation of the effects of long-acting risperidone in these particular patient groups is warranted. Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2007;40(2):82-100.