A patient with schizophrenia has been taking haloperidol for several years
The care team and the patient have collaborated and chosen to transition the patient to an atypical antipsychotic in an effort to reduce adverse effects and maximize therapeutic effects. In order to reduce the patient's risk of extrapyramidal effects during this transition, the care team should do which of the following? A) Gradually taper the dose of haloperidol.
B) Have a 2- to 3-week "drug holiday" between stopping the haloperidol and starting the atypical antipsychotic.
C) Administer haloperidol and the atypical antipsychotic drug concurrently for 6 to 8 weeks.
D) Arrange for weekly electroconvulsive therapy during the time of transition.
A
Feedback:
When discontinuing haloperidol, it is essential to taper the dosage to prevent extrapyramidal symptoms. If the medication is abruptly discontinued, the patient is at risk for this condition. A drug holiday would exacerbate symptoms, and ECT is not indicated. Concurrent administration of two drugs has the potential to exacerbate adverse effects.
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