Long-acting risperidone vs. placebo in the treatment of hospital inpatients with schizophrenia

Long-acting risperidone was associated with a significant reduction in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score (mean change±standard error [S.E.] at endpoint: long-acting risperidone, −9.27±1.44, n=133; placebo, 0.72±2.59, n=41; P<0.001), and a significantly higher rate of treatment response, defined as ≥20% reduction in total PANSS score (50% vs. 27%, P<0.05). Significantly more long-acting risperidone patients had endpoint Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) assessments of not ill, very mild or mild (32% vs. 5%; P<0.01). Long-acting risperidone was well tolerated. Long-acting risperidone initiated during inpatient treatment may be an important strategy in improving long-term outcomes among patients with schizophrenia.