Risperidone for Substance Dependent Psychotic Patients

Objective: This study examined urine toxicology results at a single VA clinic in psychotic veterans with substance use disorders before and after switching to risperidone. Methods: In FY1995-2000, 104 psychotic veterans with substance use disorders (SUD) switched to risperidone (0.5-4 mg) and had urine toxicologies (avg 18) documenting opiate, cocaine, or marijuana use for at least 3 months before and after switching. Results: The rate of illicit urines was significantly higher before than after switching to risperidone (38% vs. 29%) (cocaine 19% to 15%; cannabis 13% to 10%). Conclusions: Urine toxicologies in a sample of veterans showed that risperidone was associated with a modest reduction in a range of illicit drugs over a period of 3 months before and after a medication switch.