Effect of olanzapine and risperidone on subjective well-being and craving for cannabis in patients with schizophrenia or related disorders: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Lonneke Nimwegen, L de Haan, JM Beveren, M van der Helm, WA (Wim) Brink, D Linszen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether subjective well-being and craving for cannabis were different in patients with schizophrenia or related disorders treated with either olanzapine or risperidone. Method: A 6-week, double-blind, randomized trial of olanzapine and risperidone was carried out in 128 young adults with recent onset schizophrenia or related disorders. Primary efficacy measures were the mean baseline-to-endpoint change in total scores on the Subjective Well-Being under Neuroleptics scale, the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug Use Scale, the Drug Desire Questionnaire, and the cannabis use self-report. An analysis of covariance was used to test between-group differences. Results: Estimated D-2 receptor occupancy did not differ between olanzapine (n = 63) and risperidone (n = 65). Similar improvements in subjective well-being were found in both groups. In the comorbid cannabis-using group (n = 41, 32%), a similar decrease in craving for cannabis was found in both treatment conditions. Conclusions: Both olanzapine and risperidone were associated with improved subjective well-being. No evidence was found for a differential effect of olanzapine or risperidone on subjective experience or on craving for cannabis in dosages leading to comparable dopamine D2 occupancy.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)400-405
Number of pages6
JournalCanadian Journal of Psychiatry
Volume53
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Research programs

  • EMC OR-01-58-01

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