P02-280 - The combination of Amisulpiride and Clozapine for the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Abstract

ObjectivesTreatment-resistant schizophrenia is an old term, describing the form of schizophrenia that does not respond to a treatment dose of Chloropromazine, equal to 1,5 gr.Methods20 (n=20) patients have been studied, that were diagnosed with schizophrenia, and did not respond to any combination of typical or non-typical anti-psychotic drugs. These patients were 19-62 years of age, and were administered the BPRS and PANSS scales at start of the examination or the hospitalization, and during the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month evaluation. The said patients were treated with a combination of Amisulpiride, and Clozapine.ResultsThe patients received a dosage range of 400-1200mg for the Amisulpiride, and 300-900mg for the Clozapine. 18 patients (90%) responded to this treatment, and showed an improvement in the BPRS and PANSS scales, from the 1st month of treatment using a combination of Amisulpiride-Clozapine. Later, during the 3rd month of treatment, one of the patients discontinued the treatment, as she presented leucopenia (white cell count: 3250). The discontinuation of Clozapine treatment was decided. Clozapine was replaced by 20mg Olanzapine.ConclusionsDespite the fact that the sample of patients was very small (n=20), it seems that the combination of Amisulpiride and Clozapine is effective for the treatment of patients showing resistance in pharmaceutical treatment and the combination of typical and non-typical neuroleptics.