Project Summary

Jose de Leon, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of University of Kentucky, will investigate whether lack of tolerance and response to risperidone (Risperdal) is due to deficiencies and excesses, respectively, of an enzyme called cytochrome P450. Patients with only 1 or 2 copies of this gene are considered poor metabolizers, and are hypothesized to have high blood levels of risperidone, even at relatively small dosages. Patients with three or more copies of this gene are considered rapid metabolizers, and are hypothesized to show a diminished therapeutic response to risperidone because of inadequate blood levels. This study will examine the reason for discontinuation of risperidone in 300 patients and have analyses conducted of the gene for cytochrome P450. This work may lead to new clinical guidelines for the use of risperidone, which are based on the type of cytochrome P450 gene present.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Psychosis

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