April 21, 2015
Three-Month Dosage of Injectable Antipsychotic Prevents Return of Schizophrenia Symptoms
An injectable antipsychotic medication whose effects last for three months has successfully delayed the return of schizophrenia symptoms, researchers have found. Taking the drug in this form may help people with schizophrenia who struggle to stay on treatment by enabling them to take medication less frequently.
The research team, which included Adam J. Savitz, M.D., Ph.D., recipient of a NARSAD Young Investigator Grant in 2001, examined use of the long-acting antipsychotic medication paliperidone palmitate (Invega) in treating symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, and strong feelings of suspicion. The research was published online March 29th in JAMA Psychiatry.