Aripiprazole plus topiramate in opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, open-label, uncontrolled, preliminary study

Subst Abus. 2014;35(2):119-21. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2013.814615.

Abstract

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate a combination of aripiprazole and topiramate in the treatment of opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and, further, to taper off patients from methadone treatment.

Methods: Twenty patients who met DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) criteria for opioid dependence and schizoaffective disorder receiving MMT (80 mg/day) were given aripiprazole (10 mg/day) plus topiramate (up to 200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. A methadone dose reduction of 3 mg/day until suspension at week 4 was established.

Results: Aripiprazole plus topiramate was effective in reducing clinical symptoms, and a rapid tapering off of MMT was achieved.

Conclusions: Combining aripiprazole and topiramate may be effective in patients with a dual diagnosis of opioid dependency and schizoaffective disorder.

Keywords: Aripiprazole; methadone; opioid-dependent subjects; schizoaffective; topiramate.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aripiprazole
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fructose / administration & dosage
  • Fructose / adverse effects
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Fructose / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / administration & dosage
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Narcotics / administration & dosage
  • Narcotics / therapeutic use
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage
  • Piperazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Quinolones / administration & dosage
  • Quinolones / adverse effects
  • Quinolones / therapeutic use*
  • Topiramate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Narcotics
  • Piperazines
  • Quinolones
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose
  • Aripiprazole
  • Methadone