Monday, March 31, 2008

Second-Generation Antipsychotics Are No Better Than First-Generation Drugs for Schizophrenia

Second-generation antipsychotic drugs are not necessarily better than the first-generation drug haloperidol at treating a first episode of schizophrenia. This is the conclusion of authors of an article published in this week's issue of The Lancet.

Second-generation drugs, introduced over a decade ago, are purported to be more effective and less likely to induce motor side effects, such as stiffness and tremors, than first-generation drugs. However, results from studies comparing the 2 types of drugs have not been reliable -- studies have over-represented men and under-represented those with other issues such as drug abuse. Moreover, these trials were often too short. The question of which drugs are more effective is an important one, as many of the newer drugs are more expensive.

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