Can Cariprazine Substitute Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia When Clozapine is Ineffective?

Abstract

Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) affects approximately one third of individuals with schizophrenia and is defined by persistent symptoms despite two adequate antipsychotic trials. Clozapine remains the only evidence-based treatment for TRS, yet 40 to 60% of patients fail to respond, and many discontinue due to metabolic, cardiovascular, or haematological toxicity.