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Experience of thioridazine use before and after the Committee on Safety of Medicines warning

Independent Community Living Ltd, Llys Ifor, Crescent Road, Caerphilly CF83 1XY

Sian Nerys Weston, Specialist Registrar in Learning Disability Psychiatry

Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust, Llwyneryr Unit, Morriston

Declaration of interest

None, other than that both authors were employed by Bro Morgannwg NHT Trust at the time the research was carried out.

AIMS AND METHOD

To describe the use of thioridazine in a population of adults with learning disabilities at the time of the warning issued by the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). Also, to observe the result of discontinuation of thioridazine and to examine factors that were associated with adverse events. Retrospective case note analysis was carried out for a sample of individuals with a learning disability.

RESULTS

Over 50% of those on regular thioridazine experienced adverse events during or following drug withdrawal. Adverse events were significantly associated with the duration of previous thioridazine prescription. Higher drug dosage and a more severe degree of learning disability may also be factors linked to poorer outcomes.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

More caution may be required when reducing or withdrawing antipsychotic medication in this patient group.

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