Depot neuroleptics: a comparative review of standard, intermediate, and low-dose regimens.

New research in maintenance drug therapy has been influenced by a need to clarify risk-benefit ratios and determine minimum effective dosages. This research employing controlled study designs and new methods of data analysis has increased our ability to apply findings to specific patients, families, and treatment settings. Results from studies using depot neuroleptics indicate that this methodology may clarify the correlation between dose and blood levels and thus lead to the establishment of generalizable dosage guidelines. Lack of knowledge of maintenance requirements with long-acting injectable drugs may have led to the use of higher doses than necessary and an increased incidence of side effects. Recent studies suggest that with careful clinical observation, substantial reduction of maintenance doses can, for many patients, lead to improvement in some areas of subjective and objective well-being and to a diminution of adverse effects.