Long-acting injectable antipsychotics play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia, offering a sustained approach to medication delivery. Our team specializes in developing long-acting injectables for treating schizophrenia, working with a range of formulations to meet diverse client needs.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about using long-acting injectables to treat schizophrenia and the benefits of the process over oral antipsychotics.

What Are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics?

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are medications that are used to treat a wide range of major depressive disorders. They are formulated to stay in the body for an extended period of time, allowing for sustained effects between doses.

The History of Long-Acting Injectables

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics have evolved significantly since the process’s introduction. The first LAIs introduced, including fluphenazine decanoate and haloperidol decanoate, did provide extended symptom control but were associated with a higher risk of motor side effects.

However, the LAI formulations used today have a lower risk of movement-related side effects and offer more choices for personalized treatment, allowing patients and providers to select the most suitable option based on individual needs.

How Long-Acting Injectables Work for Treating Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with an overactive dopamine system, which leads to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Long-acting injectable psychotics help manage schizophrenia by:

• Regulating dopamine levels – This, in turn, reduces symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
• Creating a sustained-release effect – The approach forms a depot at the injection site, allowing the medication to be gradually absorbed over time

Benefits of Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia Over Oral Antipsychotics

Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs have helped many individuals living with mental illness by providing:

• Improved adherence – Lowering the risk of missed medication and helping patients stay on track with treatment
• Lower risk of relapse – Ensuring continuous symptom control, reducing the likelihood of relapse due to skipped doses
• More consistent medication levels – Providing a steady dose over time, reducing the peaks and valleys associated with daily oral medication
• Less frequent dosing – Requiring administration only every few weeks or months, compared to oral antipsychotics that must be taken daily

Choosing the Right Long-Acting Injectable for Schizophrenia: A Guide to Available Formulations

There are many types of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to choose from that are designed to meet different patient needs. Some of the most commonly prescribed LAIs for schizophrenia include:

• Fluphenazine decanoate – One of the first generation LAIs, known for its extended symptom control
• Haloperidol decanoate – A long-standing option that is known to provide sustained symptom relief
• Risperidone microspheres – A second-generation LAI designed to maintain stable plasma concentrations

About the Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics from Oakwood Labs

Here at Oakwood Labs, we are a global leader in sustained-release drug delivery, specializing in diverse areas, including the development and manufacturing of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we provide full-service support, from initial feasibility studies to FDA-approved commercial supply.

Using our patented Chroniject™ technology, we design LAIs with controlled release durations, minimizing fluctuations in medical levels for consistent symptom management. This technology allows for scalable production, ensuring reliable formulations from lab-scale development to commercial manufacturing.

By combining innovative drug encapsulation technology with a commitment to quality, we play a key role in advancing long-acting injectables for schizophrenia by:

• Customizing formulations to provide steady medication release
• Supporting all phases of drug development
• Offering aseptic manufacturing to ensure product quality and safety

FAQs on Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia

Are there any recommendations for managing treatment with long-acting injectables for schizophrenia?

Yes! Some recommendations for managing treatment include:

• Keeping up with scheduled injection appointments to maintain symptom control
• Following a consistent daily routine, including sleep and meals
• Participating in therapy or support programs for additional treatment benefits
• Watching for side effects and reporting any concerns to your healthcare provider
• Avoiding alcohol and drug use to prevent interactions with your medicine

What are some considerations when choosing a long-acting injectable antipsychotic for schizophrenia?

While LAIs offer significant advantages, there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you select the right formation, including:

• Dose adjustment timeline – Unlike oral medications, LAI dose changes may require weeks to take full effect
• Injection site reactions – Some patients may experience discomfort or irritation at the injection site
• Travel needs for administration – Regular clinic visits may be necessary for injections, depending on the specific formulation

What other services does Oakwood Labs offer?

We are proud to offer a wide range of services in the development and manufacturing of sustained release parental products. Our services include:

Contact Oakwood Labs Today

Have questions regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics? Our team is here to assist you. Please reach out to a team member today for more information.