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Switching atypical antipsychotics: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Pierre Chue*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Emmanuel Stip
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Gary Remington
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lili Kopala
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
*
Dr Pierre Chue, 3rd Floor, 9942-108 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K 2J5. Tel: +1 780 428 1776; Fax: +1 780 425 9317; E-mail: pchue@ualberta.ca

Abstract

Background:

Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly used in the treatment of diverse psychiatric disorders; however, there is little information on the ‘why, when, and how’ of switching between the different atypical antipsychotics currently available.

Objective:

To review the data on switching and atypical antipsychotics.

Methods:

A literature search was initially conducted using the key words followed by a search of relevant articles including conference abstracts; relevant pharmaceutical companies were also contacted.

Results:

Clinical trial data are limited in terms of parameters measured, and case reports describe specific problems. Few studies are based on real world populations of psychiatric patients over the long-term. Careful patient and drug selections matched to a carefully supervised and appropriate cross titration based upon the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of all of the drugs involved is important to avoid potential complications such as re-emergence or worsening of psychosis and withdrawal, rebound, and emergent phenomena including new or uncovered side-effects. Psychoeducation and involvement of patients and caregivers in the process are also necessary for a successful switch.

Conclusion:

Despite the prevalence of switching in real world clinical practice, there is a paucity of data to guide clinicians with respect to effective and safe strategies. There are no criteria defining a successful switch. With the increasing range and formulations of atypical antipsychotics available, there is a rationale for their early use to avoid the practical problems associated with switching from conventional antipsychotics as well as the opportunity to maintain patients on an optimal atypical antipsychotic monotherapy.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 Blackwell Munksgaard

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