Beneficial effects of nalmefene augmentation in neuroleptic-stabilized schizophrenic patients.
It was postulated that chronic blockade of the opioid system in neuroleptic-stabilized schizophrenic patients would have a beneficial behavioral effect. Eleven neuroleptic-stabilized psychotic inpatients received augmentation with nalmefene for an average of 36.7 days in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. The patients exhibited significant reductions in Bunney-Hamburg psychosis ratings and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale thinking disturbance subscale during the augmentation period. This study presents preliminary data supporting the hypothesis that chronic augmentation of neuroleptic-stabilized schizophrenic patients with opiate antagonists is beneficial.
Rapaport
M H
MH
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego.
Wolkowitz
O
O
Kelsoe
J R
JR
Pato
C
C
Konicki
P E
PE
Pickar
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000097:blood; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; D009271:Naltrexone; D011388:Prolactin; C038981:nalmefene; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D006719:Homovanillic Acid