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Effects on cognitive functioning after olanzapine-ziprasidone crossover in recent-onset schizophrenia
K P Grootens1, N M J van Veelen, M M Sitskoorn
1CWZ General Hospital Nijmegen, Dept. of Psychiatry, Postbus 9015, 6500 GS Nijmegen, The Netherlands. k.grootens@cwz.nl
Summary
Switching antipsychotics like olanzapine or ziprasidone did not improve cognitive function in early schizophrenia. Maintaining current medication also showed no further cognitive gains in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cognitive deficits are a significant challenge in schizophrenia, impacting functional outcomes.
- Improving cognitive symptoms is crucial for enhancing overall patient function in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of switching antipsychotic medications on cognitive function in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
- To compare cognitive outcomes after switching between olanzapine and ziprasidone versus maintaining current treatment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive test battery was used to assess cognitive effects.
- Patients with recent-onset schizophrenia underwent medication changes due to insufficient response or intolerance.
- A follow-up study examined cognitive outcomes after eight weeks of treatment.
Main Results:
- No cognitive improvement was observed in patients who switched from olanzapine to ziprasidone (n=11) or vice versa (n=10) after eight weeks.
- Patients maintaining olanzapine (n=18) or ziprasidone (n=18) treatment showed no further improvement in cognitive symptoms.
- Mean doses were 136 mg for ziprasidone and 16 mg for olanzapine in switched groups, and 10.9 mg for olanzapine and 88.9 mg for ziprasidone in maintenance groups.
Conclusions:
- The tested antipsychotics (olanzapine and ziprasidone) appear to affect cognitive symptoms similarly in early-stage schizophrenia.
- Medication switching did not yield cognitive benefits in this early-onset schizophrenia cohort.
- Current antipsychotic treatment in early schizophrenia may not significantly alter cognitive symptom trajectory over an eight-week period.
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