As more and more novel antipsychotic agents are introduced, the need for practical guidelines on switching these medications is becoming increasingly important. Indications for a switch include situations where the @entity1 or his family/caregiver requests a change in medication, where the @entity1 cannot tolerate current treatment, where they have comorbid physical or @entity146 conditions or where they have achieved only a partial remission, are refractory to treatment or have relapsed. Cross-tapering is generally the most acceptable method of switching, although abrupt withdrawal may be necessary in some cases, such as when a @entity1 develops a severe or acute reaction to their current treatment. Possible problems of switching include the risk of discontinuation reactions and the re-emergence of @entity716 . The pharmacological profile of @entity14867 means it has a relatively low potential for interactions with other drugs and may be started while discontinuing the previous antipsychotic. It should be started at the target dose for the @entity1 's current symptoms. A retrospective questionnaire among 60 @entity1 switching to @entity14867 treatment was undertaken to identify the characteristics of patients switching antipsychotics and their reasons. @entity1 were switched from a variety of antipsychotic medications, both traditional (42% of @entity1 ) and atypical (58%). Most @entity1 (87%) had at least two reasons for changing medication, with lack of efficacy, adverse events and treatment optimisation before reintegration being the most common. Contrary to recommendations, 89% of @entity1 were switched abruptly between medications. A total of 62% of @entity1 received @entity14867 doses in the range 400-800 mg/day and most (72%) required no dose adjustment. The great majority of @entity1 (87%) switched to @entity14867 without problems.

Switching antipsychotic medications: general recommendations and switching to XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity14867 :: ('MESH:C012052', 'Chemical') :: ['amisulpride'] @entity716 :: ('MESH:D011605', 'Disease') :: ['psychotic symptoms'] @entity146 :: ('MESH:D001523', 'Disease') :: ['psychiatric']
@entity14867 :: (MESH:C012052,Chemical) :: ['amisulpride']
