8
Treatment
Pharmacotherapy
➤ APA recommends (1A) that patients with schizophrenia be treated with an
antipsychotic medication and monitored for effectiveness and side effects.*
➤ APA recommends (1A) that patients with schizophrenia whose
symptoms have improved with an antipsychotic medication continue to
be treated with an antipsychotic medication.*
➤ APA suggests (2B) that patients with schizophrenia whose symptoms
have improved with an antipsychotic medication continue to be treated
with the same antipsychotic medication.*
➤ APA recommends (1B) that patients with treatment-resistant
schizophrenia be treated with clozapine.*
➤ APA recommends (1B) that patients with schizophrenia be treated with
clozapine if the risk for suicide attempts or suicide remains substantial
despite other treatments.*
➤ APA suggests (2C) that patients with schizophrenia be treated with
clozapine if the risk for aggressive behavior remains substantial despite
other treatments.*
➤ APA suggests (2B) that patients receive treatment with a long-acting
injectable antipsychotic medication if they prefer such treatment or if
they have a history of poor or uncertain adherence.*
➤ APA recommends (1C) that patients who have acute dystonia associated
with antipsychotic therapy be treated with an anticholinergic medication.
➤ APA suggests (2C) the following options for patients who have
parkinsonism associated with antipsychotic therapy: lowering the dosage
of the antipsychotic medication, switching to another antipsychotic
medication, or treating with an anticholinergic medication.
The choice of medication should consider:
• addressing patient's non- or partial response
• side-effect profile
• presence of other health conditions that may be affected by medication
side effects
• formulations
• interactions and metabolism
• pharmacokinetic properties
See full text guideline for more information.
