Long-acting injectable risperidone: an emerging tool in schizophrenia treatment

Long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenia remains challenging. Functional and cognitive declines associated with schizophrenia compromise patients' ability to adhere to therapy. While medications can improve outcomes, partial adherence limits effectiveness and is associated with relapse and rehospitalization. Partial adherence has been shown to be high with both oral conventional and oral atypical antipsychotic agents. While long-acting conventional antipsychotic agents provide ensured medication delivery and reduce relapse rates, they carry a substantial risk of movement disorders. A new long-acting formulation of the atypical agent risperidone has shown improved efficacy with decreased risk of adverse events. Its use, along with psychosocial approaches focused on adherence, may help, if initiated during inpatient treatment, by promoting adherence immediately postdischarge and improving long-term treatment outcomes.