Effect of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine on cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients: an add-on, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
The noradrenergic (NE) system mediates cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients, and the NE transporter represents a putative target for cognitive enhancing therapy. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study we evaluated the effect of add-on reboxetine (4 mg/day), a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), co-administered with atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (10 mg/day) on cognitive functioning in DSM-IV schizophrenia patients. The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics battery and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were used to assess selective cognitive functions at baseline and endpoint (6 weeks). Clinical assessment was also performed. No between-group differences were found in neurocognitive tests, suggesting that reboxetine did not significantly change patients' cognitive performance compared to placebo. Reboxetine was well-tolerated and did not interfere with the therapeutic effect of olanzapine. Long-term studies using higher reboxetine dosages and alternative NRIs (e.g., atomoxetine) are needed to determine the role of NRIs as cognitive enhancers in patients with schizophrenia and other disorders associated with cognitive impairments.
Poyurovsky
Michael
M
Tirat Carmel Mental Health Center, Tirat Carmel, Israel. poyurovs@tx.technion.ac.il
Faragian
Sarit
S
Fuchs
Camil
C
Pashinian
Artashez
A
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009025:Morpholines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000077593:Reboxetine; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D009025:Morpholines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077593:Reboxetine; D000077152:Olanzapine