Psychiatry Investig.  2016 Jul;13(4):458-467. 10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.458.

Blonanserin Augmentation of Atypical Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia-Who Benefits from Blonanserin Augmentation?: An Open-Label, Prospective, Multicenter Study

• Woo YS
• Park JE
• Kim DH
• Sohn I
• Hwang TY
• Park YM
• Jon DI
• Jeong JH
• Bahk WM

• KMID: 2344746
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.458

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) with augmentation by blonanserin in schizophrenic patients.
METHODS
aA total of 100 patients with schizophrenia who were partially or completely unresponsive to treatment with an AAP were recruited in this 12-week, open-label, non-comparative, multicenter study. Blonanserin was added to their existing AAP regimen, which was maintained during the study period. Efficacy was primarily evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Predictors for PANSS response (≥20% reduction) were investigated.
RESULTS
The PANSS total score was significantly decreased at 12 weeks of blonanserin augmentation (-21.0±18.1, F=105.849, p<0.001). Moreover, 51.0% of participants experienced a response at week 12. Premature discontinuation of blonanserin occurred in 17 patients (17.0%); 4 of these patients dropped out due to adverse events. The patients who benefited the most from blonanserin were those with severe symptoms despite a treatment with a higher dose of AAP.
CONCLUSION
Blonanserin augmentation could be an effective strategy for patients with schizophrenia who were partially or completely unresponsive to treatment with an AAP.

Keyword

Blonanserin; Schizophrenia; Augmentation; Treatment response; Antipsychotics

MeSH Terms

Antipsychotic Agents*
Humans
Prospective Studies*
Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic Agents