Neuroleptic serum levels measured by radioreceptor assay and clinical response in schizophrenic patients.

Serum neuroleptic levels and clinical response have been compared serially in 10 schizophrenic patients treated with a variety of neuroleptics using a novel radioreceptor assay for neuroleptics. In this assay the drug in serum completes with [3H]spiroperidol for binding to dopamine receptors on membranes of the caudate nucleus. Serum neuroleptic levels, expressed in terms of dopamine receptor occupancy, were similar for most neuroleptics at therapeutic doses. Thioridazine levels were substantially higher than those of other neuroleptics.