J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2007 May;46(3):214-222.

Naturalistic, Retrospective Study on Clinical Experience of Ziprasidone in 3 University Hospitals

• Lee SJ
• Kang DH
• Hong KS
• Joo YH
• Kim NS
• Kwon JS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This naturalistic retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of ziprasidone measured by mean improvements of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI-I). Secondary objectives included prescribing patterns, tolerability and safety.
METHODS
From May to July 2006, 98 psychiatric patients who have been taking ziprasidone for at least 2 weeks were selected. Their current clinical statuses were assessed by the interview and laboratory tests including electrocardiogram (ECG). Data on DSM-IV diagnoses, dosing, concomitant psychotropic medications, clinical changes, adverse effects, and laboratory findings were collected retrospectively.
RESULTS
Ziprasidone was mostly prescribed for a switch from another antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. Two main reasons for a switch were unsatisfactory efficacy and poor tolerance, especially weight gain, of the preceding antipsychotic medication. Participants as a whole showed mean 2.7+/-1.0 of the CGI-Improvement. Significant weight reduction after switching to ziprasidone occurred, which was related to the clinical improvement. No significant increase of the QTc interval except one case was observed.
CONCLUSION
The present study confirmed previous tolerability and safety data of ziprasidone as well as the results of its effectiveness.

Keyword

Ziprasidone; Efficacy; Side effect; Schizophrenia; Other psychiatric disorder

MeSH Terms

Antipsychotic Agents
Diagnosis
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Electrocardiography
Hospitals, University*
Humans
Retrospective Studies*
Schizophrenia
Weight Gain
Weight Loss
Antipsychotic Agents