Abstract

Background and objectives It was postulated that Aripiprazole may cause impulse-control problems. Therefore, real-world data on the effects and side effects of Aripiprazole 400 mg depot are needed to review the utility, safety and the clinical effectiveness of Aripriprazole 400 mg depot and highlight the occurrence of adverse effects including impulsivity in a naturalistic treatment settings. Methods A non-interventional, retrospective study was conducted to examine the electronic records of all patients who were receiving or had received Aripiprazole Lauroxil in South West London before May 2017. Disorder symptoms and side effects were compared between pre- and post-Aripiprazole PO and Aripiprazole Depot treatments. Results Data were considered for 57 patients who switched to Aripiprazole depot due to non-compliance and/or side effects. Most were suffering from chronic schizophrenia (75.4 %) and half (50.9 %) had comorbid alcohol and/or illicit drug use. Oral Aripiprazole was effective in improving hallucinations, delusions and depressive symptoms (P < 0.022); these benefits were maintained or enhanced further with Aripiprazole Depot. Proportions of patients experiencing sexual disinhibition, aggression and deliberate self-ham decreased significantly (P < 0.003) after starting oral Aripiprazole with no further change after Aripiprazole Depot. By study end, a quarter of patients had stopped taking Aripiprazole Depot due to ineffectiveness, side effects or patient request. Conclusion Aripriprazole Lauroxil 400 mg depot was safe, effective and well tolerated. Side effects manifestations should prompt full evaluations and dose reduction should be considered.