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An inhalation drug for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder???

Posted by Marissa M. Patient Expert

Oh no they didn't.From Alexza Pharmaceuticals' recent PR:

Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has initiated its second Phase 3 clinical trial with AZ-004 (Staccato(R) loxapine). AZ-004 isan inhalation product candidatebeing developed for the treatment of acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Alexza believes the novel, non-invasive nature and rapid pharmacokinetic (PK) properties resulting frominhaled loxapine administration via the Staccato system(click on the photo to the right to see an enlargelarement)have the potential to make AZ-004 a viable product to treat acute agitation.

The supposed benefits:

Rapid onset
Ease of use
Consistent dose and particle size
Broad applicability

Is this pharmaceutical companyreallydeveloping a product to treat schizophrenic and bipolar disorder symptoms by inhaling? I thought theinjectable Risperdalwas bad.Check out how the Staccato system works. It blows my mind that psych drugs are being developed for injection and inhalation.

AZ-004 is in Phase III of clinical trials.

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zeldasmom

There are a number of medications that have been FDA approved that are administered in via inhalation. This will be an interesting one to watch develop. Thanks for posting!

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Kate McLaughlin. Patient Expert

People's HealthBlogger Awards 2008 - Best 100 Winner!

If you've ever been caught in a state of extreme agitation, or seen someone you love trapped in a mixed state, you'd be thrilled by this news.

These drugs are not for most people, but are life-saving for those diagnosed with these illnesses. It is during these periods of extreme agitation that most suicides occur. An inhalant would be fast-acting compared to the time it takes to metabolize oral meds or get to an emergency room for injections.

For those in crisis, these drugs are miraculous.

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alani

I would like to know where we can get this treatment. My son is diagnosed with Shizophrenia, and gets agitated easily. The drugs he was treated with caused him more problems then they resolved. He is now in Northern California. Can someone advise as to where to locate this treatment?

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Sophie

I have biplar and if a inhaler could help me when I can feel myself becoming manic I would like to try it (I don't always know its happening but sometimes Ican see it coming at me). I am med compliant but periods of extreme stress can cause me to become extremely agitated and anxious this seems like it might help.

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An inhalation drug for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder???

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