Objectives:

This naturalistic retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of ziprasidone measured by mean improve-ments of the Cltnical Global Impression (CGI-I). Secondary objectives included prescribing patterns, tolerability and safety.

Methods:

From May to July 2006, 98 psychiatric patients who have been taking ziprasidone for at least 2 weeks were selected. Their current clinical statuses were assessed by the interview and laboratory tests including electrocardiogram (ECG). Data on DSM-IV diagnoses, dosing, concomitant psychotropic medications, clinical changes, adverse effects, and laboratory findings were collected retrospectively.

Results:

Ziprasidone was mostly prescribed for a switch from another antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. Two main reasons for a switch were unsatisfactory efficacy and poor tolerance, especially weight gain, of the preceding anti-psychotic medication, Participants as a whole showed mean 2.7±1.0 of the CGI-Improvement. Significant weight reduction after switching to ziprasidone occurred, which was related to the clinical improvement. No significant increase of the QTc interval except one case was observed.

Conclusion:

The present study confirmed previous tolerability and safety data of ziprasidone as well as the results of its effectiveness.