The atypical antipsychotic sertindole: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Psychotic disorders are often difficult to treat with traditional neuroleptics. Sertindole is a new atypical neuroleptic with a broader CNS receptor profile.

METHOD

Ten patients diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were treated with sertindole for 18 months and observed for changes in Clinical Global Impression scale scores.

RESULTS

Nine patients experienced a reduction of symptoms after 12 months of treatment. Eight patients completed 18 months of treatment, all exhibiting overall improvement. Despite side effects of tiredness, weight gain, headache, nausea, and decreased ejaculatory volume, sertindole was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Sertindole appears to be a useful treatment in psychotic disorders. It may present an advantage over traditional neuroleptics in the form of fewer extrapyramidal symptoms and improvement of negative symptoms.