Antipsychotic dose in maintenance treatment of schizophrenia: A retrospective study

An interesting study:

SUMMARY:

The mean antipsychotic dose used during maintenance treatment was approximately 30% lower than the dose used during acute phase. Importantly, about 40% of the subjects maintained well with a dose lesser than the recommended therapeutic range.

Earlier age at onset and longer duration of illness were associated with higher antipsychotic dose requirement during the maintenance phase treatment. These findings could have important clinical implications if replicated in systematic prospective studies.

3 Likes

I was started on a low dose of AP ( 3 mg INVEGA) when I was psychotic (early onset) and now I am maintaining my condition on half that dose.

1 Like

This is important to note. People seem to start at a higher level - then it gets reduced over time to minimize risk of side effects.