Antipsychotic Combination Therapies for Schizophrenia: A Review of Their Potential to Reduce Side Effects

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/fvoK2OTh-F8 Objective: Schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder with unclear etiology, involves disturbances in perception, thinking, emotions, and behavior, causing significant patient and family burdens. Enhancing understanding and psychological support is crucial. In China, schizophrenia prevention and treatment efforts are growing alongside clinical research advancements. Subjects and Methods: This study explores the benefits of novel antipsychotic combination therapy in schizophrenia treatment, focusing on reducing adverse reactions and improving quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases like Pubmed, Ovid,WOS， Medline, Embase, and Scopus, analyzing interactions among schizophrenia, innovative drug therapy, and adverse reactions to assess prognostic outcomes. Results: Compared to monotherapy, novel antipsychotic combination therapy significantly benefits patients and families, reducing adverse effects, improving efficacy, alleviating reactions, and lowering relapse risk. This study provides critical evidence for clinicians. Conclusions: Novel antipsychotics are being developed to better address schizophrenia and bipolar disorder symptoms. This paper reviews recent clinical advances, mechanisms, and evidence on efficacy, safety, and tolerability, demonstrating combination therapy’s superiority over monotherapy in reducing side effects and enhancing outcomes. Keywords: Schizophrenia treatment, novel antipsychotic drugs, research exploration, latest developments, monotherapy, combination therapy.