Aripiprazole, a novel antipsychotic. Report on a case series of 8 schizophrenic patients with emphasis on negative symptoms, libido and weight

Aripiprazole is a new atypical antipsychotic with a mechanism of action that differs from the other known atypicals. Its unique receptor binding profile combines partial agonist activity at D2 and 5HT1a receptors with potent antagonism at 5HT2a receptors.

We report a case series of 8 schizophrenic patients treated with aripiprazole, while participating in a multicenter open labeled, controlled study. Treatment duration was 8 weeks (acute phase). All patients could continue in an extention phase. Treatment durations at this point are between 13 and 44 weeks. The average treatment dose was 15mg Aripiprazole.

Within two weeks most patients showed an improvement to an extent of much or very much on the CGI and POMS (preference of medicine scale). The main improvement was on negative symptoms, libido and weight. Two patients showed a psychotic exacerbation and needed addition of a second antipsychotic. Only two patients reported side effects.