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The Harms of Antipsychotic Drugs: Evidence from Key Studies

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Abstract

This safety assessment provides a detailed analysis of key studies and focuses on the six most widely used antipsychotic drugs. Lines of evidence include mechanisms of action, short-term treatment of psychosis, relapse prevention, early intervention in schizophrenia, long-term comparisons between first- and second-generation agents, and flexible treatment algorithms. Despite the diversity of study settings, several common features were seen. All the agents obstruct normal signaling through widely dispersed dopamine D2 receptors. Treatment failure or psychosis relapse was the most frequent outcome in most key studies, ranging from 38 to 93%. High discontinuation rates caused most trials to fail to demonstrate a substantial treatment benefit, or difference from an active comparator. Assessment of harm to the extrapyramidal motor system was confounded because of extensive neurological impairment from previous antipsychotic drug treatment measured at baseline, abrupt discontinuation effects, and high rates of concomitant medications to manage drug adverse effects. Claims that second-generation antipsychotic drugs have safety advantages over classical neuroleptic drugs and prevent relapse were not supported in these key studies. The extent of injury to and impairment of multiple body systems caused by antipsychotic drugs shows the need for a scientific, clinical, and regulatory reappraisal of the appropriate use of these agents.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Sonal Singh of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for his comments and review of an earlier version of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 101 N. Columbus St, Suite 410, Alexandria, VA, 22314, USA

    Thomas J. Moore

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA

    Thomas J. Moore

  3. Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Curt D. Furberg

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Correspondence to Thomas J. Moore.

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No funding was used in the preparation of this study.

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Thomas J. Moore and Curt D. Furberg declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to this study.

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This analysis relies exclusively on published or publicly available data and is therefore exempt from institutional review board requirements.

Additional information

Disclaimer: The prescription information in Table 1 was obtained under license from the IMS Health Incorporated National Prescription Audit (2015). The statements, findings, conclusions, views, and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of IMS Health Incorporated or any of its affiliated or subsidiary entities.

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Moore, T.J., Furberg, C.D. The Harms of Antipsychotic Drugs: Evidence from Key Studies. Drug Saf 40, 3–14 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-016-0475-0

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