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The Tolerability of Mirtazapine Augmentation in Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Risperidone: A Preliminary

Jieun Lee1, Sung Joon Cho, Kang Soo Lee

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.

Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience : the Official Scientific Journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|February 23, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mirtazapine augmentation in schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone showed no significant impact on akathisia or extrapyramidal symptoms. However, it led to notable weight and BMI increases, requiring careful monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Schizophrenia treatment often requires augmentation strategies.
  • Mirtazapine is explored for improving negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
  • Tolerability of mirtazapine augmentation, particularly regarding specific side effects, needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the tolerability of mirtazapine augmentation in patients with schizophrenia receiving risperidone.
  • To assess the impact of mirtazapine on negative and cognitive symptoms, akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and BMI.

Main Methods:

  • An eight-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT).
  • 21 stabilized schizophrenia patients on risperidone were randomized to mirtazapine (15-30 mg/day) or placebo.
  • Assessments included Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BAS) and Sympsom-Angus Scale (SAS).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in BAS and SAS scores between mirtazapine and placebo groups.
  • A statistically significant increase in weight and BMI was observed in the mirtazapine group (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Mirtazapine augmentation appears tolerable for schizophrenia patients on risperidone regarding motoric side effects.
  • Clinicians should monitor for weight gain when using mirtazapine augmentation.
  • Larger, longer-term trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Keywords:
AugmentationMirtazapineRisperidoneSchizophreniaTolerability

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