COX-2 inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia: rationale for use and evidence to date.

Abstract

A better understanding of the human immune system and its complex interactions has resulted in new insights into the pathoaetiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. As a result, new treatment options are being explored. Several findings suggest that an imbalanced immune response is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. COX-2 inhibitors are known to influence the immune system in a way that may redirect this imbalance. Based on these suggestions, the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib has been tested as a possible adjunctive therapeutic approach in the treatment of schizophrenia. While the first trial using celecoxib as add-on therapy to an atypical antipsychotic showed a significant beneficial effect, recent studies demonstrated that this effect may be limited to patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.

• Authors: Michael Riedel, Martin Strassnig, Markus J Schwarz, Norbert Müller
• Journal: CNS drugs (CNS Drugs) Vol. 19 Issue 10 Pg. 805-19 ( 2005) ISSN: 1172-7047 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 16185091 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors

Topics

• Animals
• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Schizophrenia (drug therapy, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome