Drug treatment of schizophrenia. Overview of recent research.

The authors review recent research findings on the drug treatment of schizophrenia. A number of studies emphasize that neuroleptic medications are severely limited by neurological side effects that include acute extrapyramidal syndromes and tardive dyskinesia. Studies comparing neuroleptic doses in both acute and maintenance therapy have encouraged clinicians to evaluate methods for treating patients with the lowest effective dose. Other studies, but not all, indicate that plasma level measurement may be helpful in decision making about drug dosage. The management of schizophrenic patients with illnesses that are refractory to conventional neuroleptics is also discussed. Clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic, may be more effective than other available neuroleptics for severely ill, treatment refractory patients or patients who are unable to tolerate the neurological side effects of typical neuroleptics.