Double-blind donepezil-placebo crossover augmentation study of atypical antipsychotics in chronic, stable schizophrenia: a pilot study

Schizophr Res. 2007 Jul;93(1-3):131-5. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2007.01.001. Epub 2007 Mar 27.

Abstract

Thirteen outpatients with chronic but stable schizophrenia received donepezil and placebo augmentation of their maintenance antipsychotic medication regimen. Each subject received in a randomized, counterbalanced order 1) donepezil 5 mg for 6 weeks then donepezil 10 mg for six weeks and 2) placebo donepezil for 12 weeks. Serial ratings of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) [Kay, S.R., Fiszbein, A., Opler, L.A., 1987. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin 13(2): 261-276] were performed by a trained rater blind to the donepezil order and condition: at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. On donepezil as compared to baseline or placebo, there was a significant improvement in PANSS negative scores (p=.018, n=13). These results are discussed with respect to other studies using cholinesterase inhibitors as an augmentation strategy in schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage
  • Clozapine / adverse effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Donepezil
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indans / administration & dosage*
  • Indans / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nootropic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Nootropic Agents / adverse effects
  • Olanzapine
  • Piperidines / administration & dosage*
  • Piperidines / adverse effects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Risperidone / administration & dosage
  • Risperidone / adverse effects
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Indans
  • Nootropic Agents
  • Piperidines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Donepezil
  • Clozapine
  • Risperidone
  • Olanzapine