Effectiveness of Switching to Ziprasidone for Stable but Symptomatic Outpatients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Switching stable but symptomatic outpatients from their previous antipsychotic to ziprasidone was generally well tolerated and was associated with symptom improvements 6 weeks later. Improvements occurred in patients recently on other first-line atypical antipsychotic, as well as in those on conventional antipsychotic, treatment. While limitations of switching study designs do not permit interpretation of comparative efficacy, these studies suggest that outpatients who partially respond to conventional antipsychotics, risperidone, or olanzapine may experience improved control of psychotic symptoms following a switch to ziprasidone.