Quetiapine: efficacy and tolerability in schizophrenia

Quetiapine, in common with clozapine, has a greater affinity for 5-HT2 rece ptors than D-2 receptors and preclinical studies have consistently predicte d efficacy against schizophrenia, with a low potential for causing extrapyr amidal symptoms (EPS). In clinical trials, the efficacy of quetiapine was c onsistently superior to placebo and it was effective against both positive and negative symptoms, Quetiapine was also at least as effective as chlorpr omazine or haloperidol in improving the symptoms of acute schizophrenia and moreover was associated with higher response rates. The consistent, placeb o-level incidence of EPS associated with quetiapine in clinical trials was not seen with haloperidol. Thus, the combination of efficacy comparable to other antipsychotic agents, with an acceptable side effect and tolerability profile, provides support for the use of quetiapine as a first-line antips ychotic agent in the long-term treatment of schizophrenia. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science BY All rights reserved.