Famotidine in the management of schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use and potential benefit of famotidine in the management of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (February 1998-October 1998). Key search terms included famotidine, schizophrenia, and histamine.


RESULTS
Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder associated with high morbidity if left unmanaged. Histamine2 (H2)-antagonists may be an alternative to conventional treatments. An evaluation of studies focusing on famotidine in the management of schizophrenic symptoms was conducted.


CONCLUSIONS
Famotidine can improve schizophrenic symptoms that were otherwise refractory to typical antipsychotic agents. Further studies should be conducted to determine if other H2-antagonists are also effective.
Department of Pharmacy, Veterans Affairs Chicago Health Care System, IL 60625, USA. maribeth3@hotmail.com
M C
MC
Martinez
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015738:Famotidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D015738:Famotidine