The objectives of this report are to provide recommendations for the optimal prescribing and use of atypical antipsychotic (AAP) combination and high-dose treatment strategies in adolescents and adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder inadequately controlled on standard-dose antipsychotic monotherapy.

Contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 COMPUS Expert Review Committee
• 2. ISSUE
  • 2.1 Schizophrenia
• 3. OBJECTIVE
• 4. PROJECT OVERVIEW
• 5. RESULTS
  • 5.1 Optimal Use Recommendations
  • 5.2 Research Gaps
• 6. THE EVIDENCE
• 7. CONSIDERATION OF THE EVIDENCE
  • 7.1 COMPUS Expert Review Committee Process and Perspective
• 8. NEXT STEPS
• APPENDIX 1 EXPERT COMMITTEE AND CONTRIBUTORS
• APPENDIX 2 DETAILED RECOMMENDATION AND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
• APPENDIX 3 ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC COSTING INFORMATION
• APPENDIX 4 DETAILED COMPUS EXPERT REVIEW COMMITTEE PROCESS
• APPENDIX 5 ABBREVIATIONS
• REFERENCES
• SUMMARY WITH ACTION PLAN

This report is prepared by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). This report contains a comprehensive review of existing public literature, studies, materials, and other information and documentation (collectively the “source documentation”) available to CADTH at the time it was prepared, and it was guided by expert input and advice throughout its preparation.

The information in this report is intended to help health care decision-makers, patients, health care professionals, health systems leaders, and policy-makers make well-informed decisions and thereby improve the quality of health care services. The information in this report should not be used as a substitute for the application of clinical judgment in respect to the care of a particular patient or other professional judgment in any decision-making process, nor is it intended to replace professional medical advice. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of this report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete, and up-to-date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not responsible for any errors or omissions or injury, loss, or damage arising from or as a result of the use (or misuse) of any information contained in or implied by the information in this report.

CADTH takes sole responsibility for the final form and content of this report. The statements, conclusions, and views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the view of Health Canada or any provincial or territorial government.

Production of this report is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.