COX-2 inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia: rationale for use and evidence to date.
A better understanding of the human immune system and its complex interactions has resulted in new insights into the pathoaetiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. As a result, new treatment options are being explored. Several findings suggest that an imbalanced immune response is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. COX-2 inhibitors are known to influence the immune system in a way that may redirect this imbalance. Based on these suggestions, the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib has been tested as a possible adjunctive therapeutic approach in the treatment of schizophrenia. While the first trial using celecoxib as add-on therapy to an atypical antipsychotic showed a significant beneficial effect, recent studies demonstrated that this effect may be limited to patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
Riedel
Michael
M
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilan University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Strassnig
Martin
M
Schwarz
Markus J
MJ
Müller
Norbert
N
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors