EFFECTS OF NEUROLEPTICS WITH OR WITHOUT ANTI-CHOLINERGICS AMONG SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS OF SOUTH GUJARAT

• Published in: Asian journal of pharmaceutical and clinical research 2024-05, p.41-45
• Main Authors: SODHA, PRADIPSINH, SHETH, HAIYA, YADAV, PREETI, RANA, HITA, CHAUDHARI, MAYUR, CHAUDHARI, KAJAL, TALAVIA, TUSHAR
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0974-2441; 0974-2441
• DOI: 10.22159/ajpcr.2024.v17i5.50369

Objective: Neuroleptics (or anti-psychotics) indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia have significant dose-limiting extra-pyramidal side effects (EPS). Literature suggests limited evidence for the efficacy of anticholinergics in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced EPS. Thus, the present study was conducted to understand the effects of anti-cholinergics on EPS among schizophrenics already on neuroleptics (typical and atypical). Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South Gujarat for 15 months. A total of 200 participants were included based on selection criteria and distributed equally among four groups (A, B, C, and D) of 50 participants each. The collected data were analyzed for sociodemographic profile, current treatment regimen, type of neuroleptic drug, present complaints of EPS, and addition of any anti-cholinergic agent. An abnormal involuntarily movement scale score was used for examining movement disorders in all study participants. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2019 and IBM SPSS software version 28, and p