Abstract

A STUDY OF PRESCRIBING PATTERN AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN PERSONS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Basavanna P. L.*, Dr. Rinsu Sosa John, Dr. Stephy Devassikutty and Dr. Bebatto Rodrigues

ABSTRACT

Background: The objective of the study was to find the commonly prescribed antipsychotics and adverse drug reactions in schizophrenic patients. Methods: Study was carried out at Psychiatry Department, Mysore Medical College and research Institute and Associated Hospitals; K R Hospital, Mysuru for a period of 3 months. A total of 55 patients were involved in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details of patients were collected using data collection form. Adverse drug reactions are monitored using Naranjo causality assessment scale and severity by Hartwig scale. Result: Schizophrenia was more commonly seen in the patients of age group 18-40 years 29 (52.72%) with a male predominance of 37(67.27%). 17(30.9%) of cases were in the age group of 41-60 years and females constituted 18(32.72%) of the cases. The most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs were olanzapine (58.18%), followed by risperidone (49%). Most of the adverse drug reactions are due to olanzapine such as drowsiness, weight gain, sedation, constipation, headache, amenorrhoea and palpitations followed by haloperidol and risperidone. The causality assessment of suspected ADRs was done by using Naranjo’s scale revealed that majority of the ADRs were possible (43.6%) and 20% were probable. The severity assessment of ARDs was done by using Hartwigs scale. Conclusion: The present study has been undertaken to assess the prescribing pattern and adverse drug reactions of antipsychotic in patients with schizophrenia. Males, middle aged group and unemployed people are likely affected with disease. Olanzapine was the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics followed by risperidone.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Adverse drug reactions (ADR), Antipsychotics.