Risperidone long-acting injectable for maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder: An open-label pilot study

Objective. To investigate the maintained efficacy of antipsychotic therapy in stable patients with bipolar disorder transitioned directly to risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI). Methods. Within a large multi-centre European trial (StoRMi), adults with bipolar I disorder (DSM-IV) stable on a medication regimen for ≥1 month, but requiring a change of antipsychotic therapy, received injections of RLAI 25mg i.m. (increased to 37.5 or 50 mg if necessary), every 14 days for 6 months. Results. Sixteen patients were included in this subgroup analysis. Reasons for changing to RLAI included non-compliance (eight patients), insufficient efficacy (four patients) and side effects (three patients), associated with previous therapy. Twelve patients completed the 6-month trial. The most common dosage at endpoint was 25mg (seven patients). Disease symptoms (CGI Disease Severity) were significantly reduced from baseline to endpoint (P=0.0225). Patient satisfaction with treatment increased from baseline to endpoint, with 36% of patients rating their treatment satisfaction as "very good" versus 0% at baseline. Mean total score of ESRS improved from baseline to endpoint. Conclusion. Patients with bipolar disorder showed maintained symptom control over a 6-month treatment period with RLAI. Controlled studies in this population are required.