Posted by ed_uk on July 30, 2005, at 8:09:24
In reply to Re: Haloperidol (Haldol), posted by med_empowered on July 30, 2005, at 7:12:46
Hi Med,
J Psychopharmacol. 2001 Dec;15(4):251-5.
Determining the optimal dose of haloperidol in first-episode psychosis.Oosthuizen P, Emsley RA, Turner J, Keyter N.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa. pieto@samedical.co.za
Uncertainty exists as to the most appropriate dose of haloperidol in first-episode psychosis. This study set out to determine whether ultra-low doses of haloperidol could successfully treat patients with first-episode psychosis. Thirty-five patients with a first episode of psychosis were treated with haloperidol in an open label, fixed protocol over a 12-week period with doses restricted to 1 mg per day for the first 4 weeks. Twenty-nine (83%) remained on haloperidol after 12 weeks at a mean dose of 1.78 mg per day, 16 (55%) had stabilized on 1 mg/day or less. The mean percentage reduction in Positive and Negative Symptom Scale score between baseline and 6 and 12 weeks was 30.3% (SD 20.9%) and 41.4% (SD 16.6%), respectively. There were *no* significant differences in mean extrapyramidal symptom ratings between baseline and 12 weeks. Ultra-low doses of haloperidol are effective and well tolerated in first-episode psychosis. ****Initial doses should be maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow for the medication to take full effect.*****
~Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:535356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050728/msgs/535575.html