Schizophrenia Treatment

New schizophrenia treatment freeing patients from common side effects
One in 100 Australians may benefit from a new treatment for schizophrenia that minimises the common side effects of weight gain and sedation, according to research released today involving people with schizophrenia and their carers.

AbilifyTM (aripiprazole) - a unique and effective next generation antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia - is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The medication, which has a unique mode of action, has proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia and is generally well tolerated.

According to Professor Graham Burrows, Chairman of the Mental Health Foundation of Australia and Director of the Mental Health Clinical Service Unit at Austin Health, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Abilify is unique among the newer generation of antipsychotics.
"Abilify is effective and has few side effects, which is important, as side effects, such as weight gain and sedation are difficult to live with."

Side effects are well recognised in the community among those who have taken some form of prescription medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, according to the new quality of life research, which gauged the attitudes of Australians who have either a personal or family history of the disease.

Almost nine out of 10 of the Australians surveyed who have used antipsychotic medication to treat their schizophrenia, experienced side effects from their treatment. The most common side effects cited were weight gain and sedation.

Eighty-two per cent of the respondents who have either suffered from schizophrenia or who have a family member with the illness said the side effects experienced from the medication used to treat schizophrenia affected quality of life.

Seventy per cent of those experiencing weight gain as a side effect of antipsychotic medication said it affected their quality of life. In addition, 73 per cent of those people surveyed said that sedation affected their quality of life.

Professor Burrows said that while all antipsychotics have the potential to cause side effects, such as weight gain and sedation, they do not all produce the same side effects.
"A doctor will usually tell the patient about side effects, preparing them for the possibility. But newer drugs, like Abilify, have less of the side effects that cause people with schizophrenia and their carers the most concern."

According to Executive Director of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, Rob Ramjan, side effects of medication can lead to people resisting treatment.

"If a person with schizophrenia is not being cooperative with the treatment that they need for their illness, it can have a major impact on them and their families. Medication with less side effects, such as sedation and weight gain, is critical not only to a person's recovery, but to their carers as well."

"The advantages of the new generation medications in improving quality of life for people with schizophrenia is both welcomed and well overdue," said Mr Ramjan.

According to Professor Burrows, "Schizophrenia is one of the most severe of the mental illnesses and can have a significant impact on quality of life.

"Abilify has positive effects on a broad range of symptoms associated with schizophrenia - hearing voices, unclear thinking, having delusions, feeling confused, lacking interest in things previously enjoyed and depression - which may allow the person to return to a fairly normal life," he said.

Approximately 1 in 100 (or more than 200,000) Australians will have an episode of schizophrenia during their lifetime. Some may experience only one or more brief episodes in their lives. For others, it may remain a recurrent or life-long illness.

The most common approaches to treatment include antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy, which are often used in combination.

Professor Burrows said that schizophrenia results from an imbalance of chemical substances in the brain.
"Antipsychotics work by restoring the balance of those chemical substances. But they can also act on other chemical substances which may cause side effects, such as weight gain and sedation."

The exact mechanism by which Abilify works is not fully understood. It is thought to act on chemical substances such as dopamine and serotonin.

Studies show that people on Abilify may begin to feel better within the first week or two after commencing treatment and that their symptoms may continue to improve over time.

For the best effect, Abilify should be taken only once a day at the same time, with or without food, for as long as recommended by a doctor. It is not addictive and, like most antipsychotic medicines, is not recommended for use during pregnancy or in children under the age of 18. Abilify should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures, heart disease or stroke, and alcohol should be avoided.

Although generally well-tolerated, when starting treatment, some people taking Abilify may experience headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, lightheadedness, drowsiness, agitation and anxiety.

People seeking further information about Abilify or schizophrenia should contact their local doctor.

Abilify is distributed in Australia by Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia.

* Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available on request.
1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).2. National research conducted by post during March 2004 involving 376 consumers and carers affected by schizophrenia.



COLIN SHEPHERD - PERSON WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Colin Shepherd is a 48 year old Sydney-sider who has lived with schizophrenia for 30 years. Since being diagnosed with the illness, he has taken many antipsychotic medications. He is now on Abilify (aripiprazole). This is his story.

Q1. How did you discover that you had schizophrenia?
I discovered that I had schizophrenia when I stayed over night at a friend's house years ago. When I woke up in the morning I was hearing voices. So my friend took me to Prince Henry Little Bay Hospital where I was promptly diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Q2. How long have you been living with schizophrenia and what affect has it had on your life?
I've been living with schizophrenia for the past 30 years. It's significantly affected my lifestyle with regard to securing employment and holding a permanent job down. It's also negatively impacted my social life.

Q3. What are the major symptoms that have you experienced with schizophrenia?
I've experienced several major symptoms with schizophrenia including paranoia, lack of motivation and hearing voices.

Q4. What has been your experience with antipsychotic medication?
Antipsychotic medication has helped to block out my paranoia and the voices. I no longer hear the voices.

Q5. What type of side effects have you experienced with antipsychotic medications?
I've experienced severe side effects with some antipsychotic medications including extreme lethargy and tiredness. I used to sleep a lot - between 12 to 15 hours per day. I had no motivation and I found it really hard to exercise. I had clouded thinking and an almost non-existent social life. My timing with playing the drums used to falter. I think the medications also affected my libido.

Q6. What is your advice to people living with schizophrenia?
My advice to people living with schizophrenia would be to go and see your doctor and ask about the latest medications available for schizophrenia.