A Randomized, Prospective Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lurasidone and Risperidone in Treatment of Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a most disabling psychiatric disorder with prevalence of around 1% in general population. Atypical antipsychotics are the cornerstone treatment option which are equal in efficacy and different in adverse effect profile. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone and risperidone in schizophrenia patients. METHOD: A total of 50 schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to two groups.25 patients received lurasidone starting dose of 40mg /day titrated up to 80mg/day and 25 patients received risperidone starting dose of 4mg/day titrated up to 6mg/day for 6 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using relevant statistical analysis by comparing the change from baseline to week 4 and 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and in adverse effects profile. RESULTS: Treatment with both lurasidone and risperidone was associated with significantly greater improvement at week 4 and 6 on PANSS total score, PANSS positive and negative subscale scores. But the difference between both groups in all scores were statistically insignificant. The increase in weight gain and BMI from baseline to 6 weeks was significant in both groups. There was statistically significant increase in total cholesterol, triglyceridesand significant decrease in HDL level only in risperidone group. Weight gain and tremor were the most frequent adverse drug reactions in both groups. The incidence of extrapyramidal side effects was higher in risperidone group. CONCLUSION: Lurasidone 80 mg and risperidone 6mg doses administered once-daily, were safe and equally efficacious for patients with schizophrenia