Objective: Clozapine is the treatment of choice in refractory schizophrenia, but a substantial proportion of patients experience inadequate response or tolerate the drug poorly. Melperone has been suggested as a possible alternative in such patients. This case series examines the efficacy of melperone in refractory schizophrenia.
Method: All patients prescribed melperone at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust were identified using a pharmacy database. The main outcome was to determine the proportion of patients discharged on melperone.
Results: Three of 21 patients were discharged on melperone. The primary reason for discontinuation was lack of efficacy.
Conclusion: Melperone may be an option in a very few patients with refractory schizophrenia, but it should not be considered as an alternative to clozapine.
Keywords: antipsychotic agents; clozapine; melperone; schizophrenia.