IM and Oral in Acute Exacerbation of Schizophrenia (BIZET Study)

Inclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric: * Diagnosis of schizophrenia using DSM-IV (295.xx). * Patients entering hospital (or inpatients transferring to higher-dependency unit) within the previous seven days because of acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. * PANSS \> 80 (score ³ 3 on at least three of the following PANSS agitation items: anxiety , tension, hostility, excitement). * CGI-S ³ 4. - Indication, based on intensity/severity of psychotic symptoms, on IM therapy. * General: * Male or Female patients aged 18-60 years at screening. * Written informed consent to participation. * Female patients of at risk of pregnancy must avoid to remain pregnant; an adequate method of contraception can be initiated or continued. Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric: * Patients at immediate risk of committing harm to self or others * Concurrent treatment with other antipsychotic agents after baseline * Patients receiving depot antipsychotic medication within 21 days of screening * Treatment with antidepressants or mood stabilizers (such as lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid or verapamil) within two weeks of screening * Diagnosis of substance abuse using DSM-IV criteria within previous 12 months * Positive urine drug screen at screening for amphetamine, cocaine or opioids * Alcohol and/or any other drug abuse at screening * Patients who have received clozapine within 3 months prior to screening due to intolerance to other antipsychotics or patients who have received clozapine in the p…