Clinical and economic outcomes of risperidone versus clozapine in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine clinical outcomes and direct cost associated with risperidone and clozapine for the treatment of chronic schizophrenia.Methods: In a prospective observational study on 100 patients with schizophrenia in a tertiary care setting clinical outcome was measured using positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and costs by direct medical cost.Results: Both risperidone and clozapine significantly reduced the severity of psychotic symptoms (scores on the PANSS) from baseline, with no significant between group differences. The clinical improvement was more in the case of clozapine compared to risperidone group (p=0.479). In both groups, extrapyramidal symptoms and other adverse events were few, and their severity was generally mild. A statistical significance was noted in the total direct cost which was higher in patients receiving clozapine when compared to risperidone.Conclusions: Risperidone was well tolerated and as effective as clozapine in patients with chronic schizophrenia and more economical than clozapine.