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Lovastatin for the adjunctive treatment of schizophrenia: a preliminary randomized double-blind placebo-controlled
Ahmad Ghanizadeh1, Zahra Rezaee2, Sara Dehbozorgi2
1Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Psychiatry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract:
While statins target many of the pathways to neuroprogression in schizophrenia, the safety and efficacy of statins for treating schizophrenia has never been examined. This is an 8-week randomized double blind controlled clinical trial examining the efficacy and safety of adjunctive lovastatin (20 mg/day) treatment or placebo for people with schizophrenia. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were not different. Endpoint changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total and subscale scores did not differ between the two groups. However there was a significant difference between the doses of risperidone used in the two groups. The mean dose in the lovastatin and placebo groups were 4.8(1.8) and 3.4(1.4) mg/day, respectively (P<.03). No serious adverse events were reported. Slowness of movements, muscle rigidity, increased appetite, and decreased energy were the most common adverse effects, and these rates did not differ between the two groups. This study failed to demonstrate a benefit of lovastatin on symptoms of schizophrenia. This combination was well tolerated. However, a higher dosage of risperidone was used for treating the disorder in those taking concomitant lovastatin compared to placebo.
Insights
This study found that adding lovastatin to antipsychotic medication did not improve schizophrenia symptoms. The combination was well-tolerated, but required higher doses of risperidone.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Statins modulate pathways implicated in schizophrenia's neuroprogression.
- The efficacy and safety of statins as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia remain unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive lovastatin (20 mg/day) compared to placebo in patients with schizophrenia over an 8-week period.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
- Participants received either lovastatin (20 mg/day) or placebo alongside their standard antipsychotic treatment.
- Symptom changes were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in PANSS total or subscale scores between the lovastatin and placebo groups.
- A significantly higher mean dose of risperidone was used in the lovastatin group (4.8 mg/day) compared to the placebo group (3.4 mg/day).
- No serious adverse events were reported; common side effects did not differ between groups.
Conclusions:
- Adjunctive lovastatin did not demonstrate efficacy in improving schizophrenia symptoms.
- The combination of lovastatin and antipsychotics was well-tolerated but associated with increased risperidone dosage.
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