Time to Discontinuation and Self-Discontinuation of Olanzapine and Risperidone in Patients With Schizophrenia in a Naturalistic Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in schizophrenia may be hampered by high rates of medication self-discontinuation in outpatient practice settings. Time to discontinuation suggests that olanzapine may be more effective than risperidone. Strategies to address causes of poor adherence should be incorporated in medication algorithms to optimize their effectiveness.