A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial in Famotidine Adjuvant Therapy in Schizophrenia

Background: About 40%-60% of schizophrenic patients are resistant to ordinary treatment, which result from interference with different neurotransmitter systems in the process of disease. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of famotidine on several symptoms of schizophrenia which was nonresponsive to neuroleptic treatment. Methods: 30 schizophrenic patients previously nonresponsive to ordinary treatment were categorized into two groups. Famotidine group received perphenazine plus famotidine and placebo group received perfenazine plus a placebo. Patients in both groups were followed for 6 weeks and assessed by the positive and negative symptom scales (PANSS) at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the treatment. Results: Both groups were similar in terms of positive and negative symptoms. In the placebo group, the total scores of PANSS (severity of the disease) did not change significantly. However, based on the total scores of PANSS, there was a significant difference between both famotidine and placebo groups at the end of sixth week (P<0.05). In terms of general psychopathology scale and aggressive risk, there was also a significant difference between both famotidine and control groups at the end of sixth week. Conclusion: Famotidine can improve the symptoms of schizophrenic patients who were not responsive to neuroleptics. Iran J Med Sci 2005; 30(2): 59-62.