OPEN DRUG TRIAL WITH HALOPERIDOL DECANOATE INJECTIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The present study reports results pertaining to an “open trial” with long acting haloperidol decanoate injections in the maintenance therapy of schizophrenic patients satisfying DSM-III criteria. 33 patients suffering from schizophrenia entered the trial and were put or long acting haloperidol decanoate injections. The follow-up period was 6 months and the condition of the patients was monitored every 4 weeks. 30 patients completed the trial. The results of study indicate haloperidol decanoate to be an effective agent in the maintenance therapy of ambulatory schizophrenic patients. During the period of follow-up significant reduction in manifest psychopathology was observed. Most of the patients were better off at the end of the trial. None of the patients showed deterioration during the study period. Side effects were few, the number of patients experiencing them was small and these side effects improved with passage of time.