The use of oral zuclopenthixol in the treatment of functional psychotic illness.

An open study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and tolerance of oral zuclopenthixol in 40 patients with functional psychotic illness. Patients received zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride (25 mg tablets) in daily doses of 25 to 150 mg according to clinical response. Assessments were performed at weekly intervals using either the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale (BRMS) or the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), as appropriate; in addition, a Clinical Global Impression (CGI) was recorded and side-effect inventory completed. Patients were to be studied for a maximum of 13 weeks or until a successful response to treatment was obtained. Success was defined as a score of less than 15 on the BRMS or BPRS, accompanied by a marked or moderate improvement on the CGI. Twenty-six (65.0%) patients had a successful response to treatment within 3 weeks; this increased to 35 (87.5%) by Week 4. There were significant reductions in the total BPRS and total BRMS scores from Week 1 onwards. Most sub-scales and sub-items also showed significant improvements. Four patients were withdrawn from the study, (3 due to lack of efficacy and 1 with side-effects). One patient was non-evaluable due to concomitant chlorpromazine therapy. Side-effects were slight and the medication was well tolerated. Twenty-five patients received antiparkinsonian treatment during the study.