An open clinical trial with the long-acting neuroleptic zuclopenthixol decanoate in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia.

Nineteen chronic schizophrenics were included in an open trial to evaluate the depot neuroleptic, zuclopenthixol decanoate. The treatment period was 24 weeks and clinical evaluations were carried out every 4 weeks including the CGI, the BPRS (completed at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24), the Hamilton Depression Scale (completed at Weeks 0, 12, and 24), and a side-effects check list. Patients received 200 mg zuclopenthixol decanoate intramuscularly at intervals dependent on the severity of the illness. Statistically significant reductions were found for most of the symptoms on the BPRS. The reduction was already seen after 4 weeks of treatment. A clear improvement was also recorded on the Hamilton Depression Scale. The frequency of side-effects was low and decreased during the treatment period. The side-effects recorded were mild and, according to the CGI, they did not interfere with the patients' functioning except in 1 case (Week 24). It is concluded that zuclopenthixol decanoate is an effective and well-tolerated drug in the maintenance treatment of chronic schizophrenia.