NCT00802100

Comparison of Optimal Antipsychotic Treatments for Adults With Schizophrenia

Comparison of Optimal Antipsychotic Treatments for Schizophrenia Pilot Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 21 (actual)
• Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · NIH
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of three different antipsychotic medications, as well as the use of other medications to limit treatment side effects, in adults with schizophrenia.

Detailed description

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disease affecting approximately 1% of Americans. Antipsychotic medications can treat some of the most severe symptoms of schizophrenia, but they are not a cure, are often taken for long periods of time, and can have severe side effects. Other, secondary medications can provide relief from some of the most common severe side effects. This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of three different antipsychotic medications, as well as the use of additional medications to limit treatment side effects, in adults with schizophrenia. Participation in this study will last 28 to 30 weeks and include 11 visits to a study clinic. Each visit will last 2 to 3 hours. The first 2 visits will include screening and baseline measurements. The screening visit will take place at study entry, and the baseline visit will take place 3 to 14 days later. Study visits will then occur 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the baseline visit, followed by monthly visits. At the baseline visit participants will be randomly assigned to receive olanzapine, perphenazine, or aripiprazole for 28 weeks. Dosage for all three antipsychotic medications will start at low levels and be increased to full strength over 2 weeks. If participants are taking another antipsychotic when they enter the study, this 2-week period will also be used to slowly reduce and then end treatment with the non-study antipsychotic. Side effects to all three antipsychotics will be monitored, and, depending on the side effect, one of three different medications will be added to the treatment regimen. If increased cholesterol levels are experienced with any antipsychotic, simvastatin will be added; if weight gain is experienced, metformin will be added; if involuntary movements, inner restlessness, or muscle stiffness are experienced, benztropine will be added. Because of already known side effects, participants assigned to olanzapine or perphenazine will automatically add metformin or benztropine, respectively, to their regimens. Starting on the third study visit, participants will also undergo a behavioral treatment aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors. This behavioral treatment will involve nine 20-minute sessions, with phone calls being made to participants between sessions. During each study visit, assessments will be made of schizophrenia symptoms, side effects, adherence to medication regimen, vital signs, waist circumference, and weight. Participants will also complete a questionnaire on use of health care services and undergo instructions on exercise and eating right. On visits 1, 5, 7, and 11, blood will be drawn for standard lab tests. Additional measures at the screening visit will include questions about medical and psychiatric history, a urine test for drugs, and a questionnaire about physical and social activities.

Conditions

• Schizophrenia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Olanzapine	Daily tablets of 10 to 30 mg
DRUG	Perphenazine	Daily tablets of 8 to 24 mg
DRUG	Aripiprazole	Daily tablets of 10 to 30 mg
DRUG	Metformin	Daily tablets of 850 to 2550 mg
DRUG	Simvastatin	Daily tablets of 20 to 40 mg
DRUG	Benztropine	Daily tablets of 1 to 2 mg

Timeline

• Start date: 2008-12-01
• Primary completion: 2009-09-01
• Completion: 2009-10-01
• First posted: 2008-12-04
• Last updated: 2013-02-08
• Results posted: 2013-02-08

Locations

13 sites across 1 country: United States