Cocaine abuse in schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine versus haloperidol.
Comorbid cocaine abuse adversely affects clinical outcomes in schizophrenia. Using a prospective, randomized, parallel group design (N = 24), we tested the hypothesis that patients with schizophrenia treated with olanzapine have reduced cocaine craving and abuse compared with those treated with haloperidol. In addition, we examined whether this differential effect correlated with reductions in extrapyramidal symptoms, positive and negative symptoms, and/or depression. There were no significant differences overall in proportions of positive drug screens between treatment groups; no differences in positive, negative, or depressive symptoms; and few differences between treatment conditions in extrapyramidal symptoms. However, craving for cocaine was rated significantly lower by patients treated with haloperidol compared with patients treated with olanzapine. Important study limitations include a small sample size and high attrition rates. Larger controlled studies are necessary to determine optimal antipsychotic therapy for patients with schizophrenia and comorbid cocaine abuse.
Sayers
Steven L
SL
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University and Woodland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Campbell
E Cabrina
EC
Kondrich
Janienne
J
Mann
Stephan C
SC
Cornish
James
J
O'Brien
Charles
C
Caroff
Stanley N
SN
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D015143:Philadelphia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012107:Research Design; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D006220:Haloperidol; D000077152:Olanzapine