Antipsychotic Augmentation with Venlafaxine for Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Chronic Schizophrenia - A Case Series
Journal Title: Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) - Year 2010, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Negative symptoms represent a core feature in schizophrenia and the deficit syndrome in chronic schizophrenic patients is closely related to their poor outcome and global failure in community adaptation. Atypical antipsychotics have been widely used in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, and tend to produce a better response when used in association with antidepressants. We describe a case series of patients with a clinical diagnosis of residual type of schizophrenia, who have undergone an augmentative treatment of antipsychotic medication with venlafaxine. Both primary and secondary negative symptoms, as well as the overall functioning in these patients were substantially improved following this treatment. This is the first clinical study describing the combination of venlafaxine with both conventional antipsychotics and novel antipsychotics, such as risperidone, to treat successfully both secondary and primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia. We also discuss possible modes of action of the joint use of this particular antidepressant with antipsychotic medication.
Authors and Affiliations
Elizabeta B. Mukaetova-Ladinska, MD, PhD| Institute for Ageing and Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Joaquim Alves da Silva| CEDOC, Department of Mental Health, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital S. Francisco Xavier, CHLO, Portugal, MD; Jon Darley, MRCPsych| Wedgwood Unit, West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom
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- EP ID EP8743
- DOI 10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2010.0111
- Views 366
- Downloads 21
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