Tolerability of low dose neuroleptics: a case control study of flupenthixol

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1997 Nov;7(4):261-6. doi: 10.1016/s0924-977x(97)00030-8.

Abstract

There are no data available on the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms when using long-term flupenthixol in low dosage in patients suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders. In a case control study 106 patients essentially treated with the neuroleptic flupenthixol in a so-called low, non-antipsychotic dosage were compared to n=37 otherwise comparable patients who never had been treated with neuroleptics. The investigator was blind to the previous treatment conditions. Extrapyramidal symptoms were found although with a low prevalence and mild degree: 6.7% tardive dyskinesia, none in controls; pseudoparkinsonism 26%, 16% in controls. Extrapyramidal side-effects, especially tardive dyskinesia, have to be considered in the individual weighing of therapeutic benefits and risks even when prescribing flupenthixol in low dosages.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology
  • Female
  • Flupenthixol / administration & dosage
  • Flupenthixol / adverse effects*
  • Flupenthixol / analogs & derivatives
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • flupenthixol decanoate
  • Flupenthixol