Quetiapine may be effective in some patients with refractory schizophrenia, but is generally not preferred. Clozapine is preferred for refractory schizophrenia. If clozapine is intolerable or ineffective, a combination of two antipsychotics or the addition of a booster treatment may be considered, under medical supervision.
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic, commonly used atypically in the treatment of schizophrenia, can not be used for hepatic and renal insufficiency, thyroid disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, epilepsy, coma, allergy to the ingredients, etc., and there will be fatigue, headache, constipation, dry mouth and other adverse reactions.
Clozapine is preferred for refractory schizophrenia, and patients in whom clozapine is intolerable or ineffective should discontinue clozapine, and a combination of two psychiatric medications, such as quetiapine, amisulpride, olanzapine, risperidone, and sulpiride, may be considered as well as booster therapy.
Refractory schizophrenia potentiation treatment includes electroconvulsive therapy, which can be used alone or in combination with antipsychotics, and has significant efficacy on positive symptoms. Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is effective for negative symptoms. Adding a mood stabilizer such as lithium carbonate, lamotrigine, sodium valproate, or an antidepressant such as mirtazapine, fluoxetine, or trazodone may have adverse effects such as dizziness, headache, and nausea.
Refractory schizophrenia should be treated under the guidance of a doctor and should not be self-medicated to avoid delays.