Schizophrenia study: Varenicline
Official title Smoking Cessation With Varenicline in Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic-Induced Neurological Symptoms as Correlates
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03495024
What this study is testing
What is Varenicline?
An investigational oral medication being studied for its potential to reduce antipsychotic‑induced neurological side effects in people with schizophrenia.
Also referred to as Chantix.
Plain-language explanation of the investigational treatment. It is being studied and is not an approved or proven therapy. The study team can confirm the details.
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if quitting smoking with varenicline can lessen neurological side effects caused by antipsychotic medicines.
- Who it's for
- It looks for adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who smoke and already have tardive dyskinesia while on stable antipsychotic doses.
- What's involved
- Participants will take varenicline for 12 weeks, have regular visits, and complete rating scales to track smoking and movement symptoms.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about 14 weeks total, including a 2‑week baseline and 12 weeks of treatment, with several clinic visits for assessments.
- Phase 4: studies an already-approved treatment
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 to 75
You may be able to join if
- 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) at screening
- Agree to stop smoking by the target date (four weeks after baseline
You likely can't join if
- 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 months prior to screening or a positive toxicology screen
- Are receiving clozapine or cholinesterase inhibitors
See the full eligibility 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) at screening
- Agree to stop smoking by the target date (four weeks after baseline
- Concurrence for varenicline treatment from the patient's mental health provider if the patient is under mental health care
- 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 months prior 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 one month prior to enrollment (two months for long-acting antipsychotics)
- Are unable to remain on a stable dose of antipsychotic or anti-muscarinic during the study period
- Have acute suicidal ideation, intent or behavior within 12 months or risk based assessed on the C-SSRS or depression/anxiety score ≥ 8 on the HADS.
- Female people of childbearing age will have a negative pregnancy serum test at screening 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
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years to 75 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.