As part of a one-year randomized study examined the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics. The study protocol meant changing from one antipsychotic to another only if it was justified. Among outpatients, who were replaced by drugs, was determined by the risk of a sharp deterioration in health status, treatment for emergency medical assistance, as well as the time period prior to such events. These figures were compared with those among patients who continued to take first-line drugs. Data were obtained from a study of medical records and by interviewing the participants themselves.
The results showed that compared with patients who continued taking the drug was originally designated; patients changed their antipsychotic, has been elevated risk of hospitalization and emergency medical intervention. In addition, patients changed their antipsychotic medication, spend an average of 3000 dollars USA (25% of total) per annum more than not changing the drug. Most of these funds accounted for the already mentioned cases of emergency medical care.
Based on the results, the authors concluded that a change of antipsychotic drugs is associated with worse clinical and economic consequences, resulting in more frequent requests for emergency aid.
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