Smoking Cessation With Varenicline in Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic-Induced Neurological Symptoms as Correlates

Phase

Condition

Tardive Dyskinesia

Psychosis

Dystonia

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT03495024

01730

Ages 18-75
All Genders

Study Summary

To test the feasibility of studying effects of smoking cessation with varenicline on antipsychotic drug-induced neurological side effects, we propose a 12 week pilot study of smoking cessation treatment with varenicline in 10 schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder patients who are actively smoking and have pre-existing TD while receiving stable doses of antipsychotics. Subjects will be followed after a 2 week baseline period to assess changes in smoking status and neurological symptoms using standardized rating scales. The aim is to examine clinically significant effects on antipsychotic-induced neurological side effects that may warrant further investigation.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

DSM 5 criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and stable disease
Glazer-Morgenstern-Doucette criteria for TD
Smoking at least 5 cigarettes on average daily for at least 30 days prior to screening
An exhaled carbon monoxide concentration greater than 5 parts per million (ppm) atscreening
Agree to stop smoking by the target date (four weeks after baseline
Concurrence for varenicline treatment from the patient's mental health provider if thepatient is under mental health care; OR, if the patient is not under mental healthcare, the prescribing clinician should consult with a mental health provider toevaluate the patient for appropriateness to receive varenicline

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Have untreated or unstable acute medical or psychiatric illnesses
Have a history of seizures
History of somnambulism
Have chronic degenerative neurological illnesses (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
Have a history of active substance abuse (including marijuana abuse) in the 3 monthsprior to screening or a positive toxicology screen
Are receiving clozapine or cholinesterase inhibitors
Had a change in dosing or medication type of antipsychotic or anti-muscarinic for onemonth prior to enrollment (two months for long-acting antipsychotics)
Are unable to remain on a stable dose of antipsychotic or anti-muscarinic during thestudy period
Have acute suicidal ideation, intent or behavior within 12 months or risk basedassessed on the C-SSRS or depression/anxiety score ≥ 8 on the HADS.
Female subjects of childbearing age will have a negative pregnancy serum test atscreening and are required to use approved methods of birth control
Use of an investigational drug within 30 days of screening
Use of other smoking cessation aids (bupropion, nicotine replacement products)
Use of other tobacco products
History of allergic reactions to varenicline
Lack capacity to provide informed consent

Study Design

January 01, 2019

June 30, 2020

Study Description

Objectives(s): To study whether smoking cessation with varenicline treatment will be associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia without worsening acute extrapyramidal symptoms.
Research Design: To test the feasibility of studying effects of smoking cessation with varenicline on antipsychotic drug-induced neurological side effects, we propose a 12 week exploratory, open-label, proof-of-concept, pilot study of smoking cessation treatment with varenicline in 10 schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder patients who are actively smoking and have pre-existing TD while receiving stable doses of antipsychotics. Subjects will be followed after a 2 week baseline period to assess changes in smoking status and neurological symptoms using standardized rating scales. The aim is to examine clinically significant effects on antipsychotic-induced neurological side effects that may warrant further investigation.
Methodology: Patients will be evaluated at a Screening Visit 1 (Week 0) and at a Baseline Visit 2 (Week 2) two weeks apart. After the Baseline Visit, subjects will be asked to cease smoking completely by the target date four weeks after the baseline visit (Week 6) and will attend a clinic Cessation Visit 4 (Week 6) for medication check and resupply. Treatment with varenicline will start at Baseline Visit 2 (Week 2) with 0.5mg hs x 3 days, 0.5mg bid x 4 days, then start 1mg bid at Visit 3 (Week 3) for the remaining 9 weeks of the study.

At the Screening and Baseline Visits, and at study visits thereafter (Visit 3-7), subjects will be evaluated for efficacy and safety, and changes in smoking or other tobacco use since the last visit. The following measures will be taken; Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD) at screening only; Cigarette smoking will be assessed by a structured questionnaire of time-line follow-back (TLFB) usage; Expired carbon using a hand-held carbon monoxide monitor; Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS), and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS); Global Clinical Impression Scale (CGI-S at baseline, CGI-I at final visit) for TD; C-SSRS; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and the final visit only; Brief smoking cessation counseling; Laboratory measures; Urine toxicology sample at the screening and final visits only, serum pregnancy test (women) at screening visit only; Changes in psychotropic medications; Varenicline compliance by pill counts; Adverse events.

Connect with a study center

Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
United States
Active - Recruiting

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