Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia
Published on: May 6, 2014
Ondansetron - a promising adjunctive treatment for persistent schizophrenia
Jayashri Kulkarni1, Natalie Thomas1, Abdul-Rahman Hudaib1
1The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Background:
Ondansetron is a serotonin 3 receptor antagonist widely used to prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and in patients receiving chemotherapy. There is growing evidence that adjunctive ondansetron treatment improves symptomatology associated with schizophrenia, particularly with respect to the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Further studies that are applicable to real world practice are required to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of this treatment, which could be readily and rapidly translated into clinical practice.
Aims:
This randomized control trial compared adjunctive (8 mg/daily) ondansetron or placebo to commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics for people suffering with chronic schizophrenia ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01121042).
Methods:
The study involved 85 outpatients aged 18-65 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who participated in a two-arm randomized control trial.
Results:
Longitudinal analyses revealed adjunctive ondansetron provided significant improvement in the cognitive domain ( p<0.05) as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale between baseline and week 12. The analysis of "Combination" showed ondansetron effect on Total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, approaching significance by week 12 ( p=0.06). No group differences were obtained in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale or Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscales.
Conclusion:
This treatment trial provides some support for adjunctive ondansetron medication as a treatment for the cognitive disorganization symptoms of schizophrenia.
Insights
Adjunctive ondansetron (a serotonin 3 receptor antagonist) showed significant improvement in cognitive symptoms for schizophrenia patients. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in real-world clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ondansetron, a serotonin 3 receptor antagonist, is commonly used for nausea and vomiting.
- Emerging evidence suggests ondansetron may alleviate schizophrenia symptoms, including positive, negative, and cognitive domains.
- Real-world studies are needed to validate ondansetron's efficacy and effectiveness in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of adjunctive ondansetron (8 mg/daily) versus placebo in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
- To evaluate the effects of ondansetron on schizophrenia symptomatology, including cognitive, positive, and negative symptoms.
- To assess the impact on depression and overall symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- A two-arm randomized control trial involving 85 outpatients aged 18-65 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
- Participants received either 8 mg/daily ondansetron or placebo, in addition to standard atypical antipsychotic treatment.
- Symptom severity was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) over 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Adjunctive ondansetron significantly improved cognitive symptoms (p<0.05) as measured by the PANSS between baseline and week 12.
- A trend towards significance was observed for the overall PANSS scores (p=0.06) with ondansetron treatment.
- No significant differences were found in depression scores (MADRS) or other PANSS subscales between the groups.
Conclusions:
- This trial provides preliminary support for ondansetron as an adjunctive treatment for cognitive disorganization in schizophrenia.
- Ondansetron may specifically target and improve cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
- Further investigation is warranted to solidify ondansetron's role in schizophrenia management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Schizophrenia
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...