Abstract
BackgroundFirst-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) are associated with a range of adverse events which can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and contribute to non-adherence. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and management practice of first generation antipsychotics induced side effects among schizophrenic patients.MethodsThe study was conducted at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital from March to June, 2017. Data from patients were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Demographics and side effects of antipsychotics were collected by face to face interview. Clinical characteristics, medications and previous history of adverse drug events were extracted from medical records using data abstraction format. The data were analyzed using statistical software for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were done. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsOut of 356 participants, 300 of them had complete data and were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 33.71 ± 10.2 years. The majority, 195(65.0%), of participants were males. Most of the participants, 293(97.7%), developed FGA medication induced side effects. One hundred sixty three (54.3%) participants were treated with Trihexyphenidyl for FGAs induced side effects. Dose reduction of antipsychotics was done for 51(17.0%) participants. Most of the participants’ side effects were not managed according to American Psychiatric Association guideline; 178 (82.4%). The most common types of FGAs induced side effects were cardiovascular side effects 169(56.3%); sedation and CNS side effects 149(49.6%); and extrapyramidal side effects 114(38.0%). There is a significant association between occurrence of side effects of FGAs and duration of illness (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe prevalence of first generation antipsychotics induced side effects was high. However, management practice of the side effects was minimal.
Highlights
First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) are associated with a range of adverse events which can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and contribute to non-adherence
Antipsychotic medications have been the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia since the introduction of chlorpromazine in the 1950s [1]
There is a significant association between occurrence of side effects of FGAs and duration of illness (P = 0.04)
Summary
First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) are associated with a range of adverse events which can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and contribute to non-adherence. These medications still are the treatment of choice for such disorder They reduce psychotic symptoms; improve patient’s functionality and quality of life. They are often associated with some intolerable side effects [2]. Such side effects include severe sedation, weight gain, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction and difficulties in social activities [3]. The intolerability of these side effects has been identified as determinant of non-adherence to antipsychotic medication [4, 5]. Schizophrenic patients are often experience illness occurrence, unendurable side effects from prescribed medication, discontinuation of medication and disease relapse [6]
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