Robert L Weisman1. 1. Strong Ties Community Support Program, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14620, USA. Robert_Weisman@urmc.rochester.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Excluding nicotine and caffeine dependence, almost 50% of individuals with schizophrenia also meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence. Comorbid drug abuse presents complications to the effective treatment of these patients because they have increased psychotic symptoms and poorer treatment compliance. CASE REPORT: This report describes thecase of a young man with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol and cocaine abuse who was successfully treated with quetiapine. The patient was previously treated with olanzapine and developed priapism, which required emergency medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The possible utility of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and comorbid substance abuse needs to be confirmed in clinical trials.
BACKGROUND: Excluding nicotine and caffeine dependence, almost 50% of individuals with schizophrenia also meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence. Comorbid drug abuse presents complications to the effective treatment of these patients because they have increased psychotic symptoms and poorer treatment compliance. CASE REPORT: This report describes thecase of a young man with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol and cocaine abuse who was successfully treated with quetiapine. The patient was previously treated with olanzapine and developed priapism, which required emergency medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The possible utility of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and comorbid substance abuse needs to be confirmed in clinical trials.
Authors: David A Smelson; Lisa Dixon; Thomas Craig; Stephen Remolina; Steven L Batki; Noosha Niv; Richard Owen Journal: CNS Drugs Date: 2008 Impact factor: 5.749