Long-acting injectable antipsychotics for mental health during pregnancy and postpartum

Long-acting Injectable Antipsychotics for Mental Ill-Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Observational Cohort Study

Observational University of Liverpool · NCT05766007

This study looks at how long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications affect pregnant and postpartum women, their unborn babies, and breastfeeding infants to see if they are safe during this time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment125 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Liverpool Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Makurdi, Benue State and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05766007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate how long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications are influenced by physiological changes during pregnancy and their effects on unborn babies. It will also assess the transfer of these medications into breastmilk and the exposure of breastfeeding infants. Participants will undergo regular clinic visits for injections and additional study visits to collect blood and breastmilk samples for analysis. The study focuses on understanding pharmacokinetics and safety outcomes related to these medications in pregnant and postpartum women.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pregnant or breastfeeding women diagnosed with schizophrenia, mania, or other psychoses who are prescribed long-acting injectable antipsychotics.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with severe pregnancy-related complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into the safety and pharmacokinetics of antipsychotic medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, potentially improving treatment protocols for affected women.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar studies have explored pharmacokinetics in pregnancy, indicating potential for valuable findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
* If pregnant, plans to deliver within the facility.
* Diagnosis of schizophrenia, mania or other psychoses.
* Prescription of long-acting injectable antipsychotic (Risperidone, Paliperidone palmitate, Fluphenazine decanoate, Flupenthixol decanoate and Zuclopenthixol decanoate) as maintenance therapy started before study entry.
* Scheduled to receive at least one injection before delivery (if pregnant) or before week 12 postpartum (if breastfeeding).
* At least 18 of age at study entry.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to understand study information.
* Unable to provide written informed consent.
* Known hypersensitivity to study medication.
* Record of poor medication adherence.
* Personal circumstances will not allow completion of the schedule of study activities.
* Concurrent use of agents with known or uncertain interaction with study drug.
* Currently experiencing severe pregnancy related complications

Where this trial is running

Makurdi, Benue State and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SchizophreniaPsychosisManiaPregnancyDrug Exposure in UteroDrug Exposure Via Breast MilkAntipsychotic AgentsBreastfeeding
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.