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Haloperidol increases smoking in patients with schizophrenia
J P McEvoy1, O Freudenreich, E D Levin
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia smoked more cigarettes after starting haloperidol treatment. This was evidenced by higher carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine levels, indicating increased smoking rates during antipsychotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Schizophrenia is frequently comorbid with nicotine dependence.
- Antipsychotic medications may influence smoking behavior in patients with schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of haloperidol treatment on smoking rates in patients with schizophrenia.
- To compare smoking behavior during active psychosis without medication versus during haloperidol treatment.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with schizophrenia participated in two 120-minute free-smoking sessions.
- Sessions occurred during active psychosis (no antipsychotics) and after initiating haloperidol.
- Expired air carbon monoxide (CO), plasma nicotine, and cotinine levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited significantly higher expired CO levels after starting haloperidol treatment.
- Plasma nicotine levels were also significantly higher post-haloperidol initiation.
- These findings suggest an increase in smoking quantity with haloperidol treatment.
Conclusions:
- Haloperidol treatment appears to increase smoking rates in patients with schizophrenia.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this increased nicotine intake.
- Clinical implications for managing smoking in schizophrenia patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment.