D2 dopamine receptor occupancy during low-dose treatment with haloperidol decanoate

Abstract

The D2 receptor occupancy 1 week after injection was high and comparable to that previously found in patients responding to acute treatment with classic neuroleptics. Prevention of relapse was maintained despite low D2 receptor occupancy during the latter part of the treatment interval. These observations indicate that continuously high D2 receptor occupancy may not be necessary to prevent schizophrenic relapses. The results emphasize the need for systematic clinical evaluation of intermittent low-dose treatment strategies.