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Comparative Study
. 1996 Nov;169(5):618-21.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.169.5.618.

Large variations of plasma levels during maintenance treatment with depot neuroleptics

E Tuninger  1 , S Levander
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Large variations of plasma levels during maintenance treatment with depot neuroleptics

E Tuninger et al. Br J Psychiatry. 1996 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Stability of neuroleptic medication has been associated with optimal clinical effect and minimal side-effects. Depot administration is assumed to yield better stability.

Method: Thirty patients on depot neuroleptic treatment were followed during three years with repeated measurements of plasma level and concurrent ratings of clinical symptoms and side-effects.

Results: Of 120 blood samples 35 (29%) measurements were outside +/-2 s.d. measurement error (expected 5%). Perphenazine levels were more variable (46%) than haloperidol (25%) and flupenthixol (12.5%). No relationship was found between side-effect ratings and fluctuations of plasma levels.

Conclusion: Depot neuroleptic medication does not eliminate a clinically unwanted and sometimes marked variation in plasma level.

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