Supplementation of vitamin C with atypical antipsychotics reduces oxidative stress and improves the outcome of schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Several investigators implicated role of free radical-mediated pathology in schizophrenia. No study has ever examined the effect of vitamin C with atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of oral vitamin C with atypical antipsychotics on serum malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma ascorbic acid levels, and brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) score in schizophrenic patients.


METHODS
Forty schizophrenic patients participated in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noncrossover, 8-week study. The patients with schizophrenia were divided randomly into placebo and vitamin C group of 20 each. Serum MDA and plasma ascorbic acid were estimated by methods of Nischal and Aye, respectively.


RESULTS
Increased serum MDA and decreased plasma ascorbic acid levels were found in schizophrenic patients. These levels were reversed significantly after treatment with vitamin C along with atypical antipsychotics compared to placebo with atypical antipsychotics. BPRS change scores at 8 weeks improved statistically significant with vitamin C as compared to placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral supplementation of vitamin C with atypical antipsychotic reverses ascorbic acid levels, reduces oxidative stress, and improves BPRS score, hence both the drugs in combination can be used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Dakhale
G N
GN
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India.
Khanzode
S D
SD
Khanzode
S S
SS
Saoji
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001205:Ascorbic Acid