An Open Trial of Cysteamine Treatment in Schizophrenia

Not Applicable

Terminated

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine the tolerability of the medication cysteamine bitartrate on schizophrenia patients and to evaluate the effect of the medication on the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Detailed Description: Despite the availability of numerous antipsychotics, the treatment of schizophrenia is very unsatisfactory. Many patients have persistent positive psychotic symptoms or negative symptoms despite treatment, and any improvement in cognitive function is small. New approaches to the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia that are not based primarily on dopaminergic blockade are needed.

The rationale for a trial of cysteamine comes from the evidence that cysteamine increases brain concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

We will conduct an open-label study of tolerability and efficacy of cysteamine as an adjunct to second-generation antipsychotics in schizophrenia and schizoaffective subjects with partially responsive symptoms.

Our objectives are to determine the safety and tolerability of cysteamine administered as an adjunct to second-generation antipsychotic drugs in adult outpatients with partially-responsive schizophrenia. Additionally, we are evaluating the effect of cysteamine on the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as measured by changes in the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and on cognitive impairment as measured by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
18-60 years of age
Residual symptoms, as defined by both 1 & 2:
1. At least one PANSS positive symptom item score > 4, or at least two items with a score > 3
2. At least one PANSS negative symptom item score > 4, or at two items with a score > 3
No clinically significant change in symptoms for at least one month
On the same psychotropic medication(s) > 2 weeks
Taking a second-generation antipsychotic (olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, or clozapine)
Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Meets criteria for current major depressive disorder
Abnormal hepatic function (AST or ALT > 2.5 X the upper limit of normal, or bilirubin > 1.5 X the upper limit of normal)
Abnormal renal function (BUN or creatinine > 1.5 X the upper limit of normal)
Presence of any unstable or untreated medical disorder
Any history of seizure disorder, HIV, or diagnosis of AIDS
Any abnormal lab test result that is judged to be clinically significant by the investigators
Pregnancy, breast feeding, or female and of child-bearing potential who is not using any contraceptive method
Present danger to self or others

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Cystagon, Cysteamine Bitartrate	(Cystagon) Cysteamine Bitartrate	We are examining the safety and efficacy of this medication on the treatment of schizophrenia patients.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Safety and Efficacy	4 months	We are measuring if this medication is appropriate for use in schizophrenia patients.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Locations (2): Georgia Regents University- Dept of Psychiatry
🇺🇸
Augusta, Georgia, United States
Georgia Health Sciences University - Dept of Psychiatry
🇺🇸
Augusta, Georgia, United States