Neuroleptic-free intervals in the treatment of schizophrenia.

During a period of 1-2 1/2 years the neuroleptic regimen of 14 schizophrenic outpatients was interrupted every 6 months by drug holidays of 6 weeks' duration. As a result, 10 patients achieved a substantially reduced maintenance dose. The authors were unable to predict for whom the drug holidays would be safe.