Prucalopride for Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Jun 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a medication called prucalopride to see if it can help improve cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia. Cognitive functioning includes important skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving, which can be affected in individuals with this condition. In this study, 34 participants aged 18 to 55 who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia will take prucalopride for four weeks while continuing their usual treatment with antipsychotic medications.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must have a stable diagnosis of schizophrenia for at least a year and have been on a steady medication dose for the past three months. They should also be able to read and write in English or Kannada. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at the beginning and end of the four weeks to evaluate any changes in their cognitive abilities. It’s important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, those taking specific medications, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be able to participate. This trial is a promising step towards finding new ways to enhance cognitive function in individuals with schizophrenia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed as schizophrenia by DSM 5 criteria using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders
• • Age between 18 to 55 years
• • A minimum of one year of duration of illness
• • Clinically stable with a stable therapeutic dose for at least 3 months prior to the recruitment
• • Participants who can read and write English or Kannada
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participants who are acutely symptomatic and are uncooperative for assessments
• • Co morbid with other psychiatric illness including mood disorders and substance use disorders except tobacco
• • Participants already diagnosed with Intellectual Disability Disorder, head injury
• • Participants administered MECT (modified electroconvulsive therapy)
• • Participants with sensory impairments
• • Use of Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Memantine, Benzodiazepines
• • Participants already on prucalopride
• • Participants with contraindications to prucalopride
• • Diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders like Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Intestinal ulcers
• • Use of concomitant herbal remedies, alternative medicines
• • Women who are pregnant or lactating
• • Current history of suicidal ideation, intention or attempts