FEATURED SEARCH TERM: schizophrenia
A team of researchers including some from the National Institutes of Health report a surprising “side effect” of the anti-smoking drug varenicline(Drug information on varenicline) among patients who have schizophrenia: It alters levels of some neurological biomarkers for schizophrenia itself, including indicators of executive function. They call for efforts to find subgroups of patients who may benefit from this new treatment approach.
RESULT: Effects of Moderate-Dose Treatment With Varenicline on Neurobiological and Cognitive Biomarkers in Smokers and Nonsmokers With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
Archives of General Psychiatry | Dec 1, 2011 (Free abstract. Full text $30)
The evidence suggests that typical antipsychotics promote smoking among people with schizophrenia, while atypical antipsychotics make it easier for them to quit. However, that evidence is mixed, say the authors of this review that assesses smoking as a form of self-medication and the effects of antipsychotics on smoking-related cues.
RESULT: The Role of Antipsychotics in Smoking and Smoking Cessation
CNS Drugs | 1 Apr 2011 (Free abstract. Full text $57.95 plus tax)
