Adverse effects of fenfluramine in treatment refractory schizophrenia

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1989 Apr;9(2):110-5. doi: 10.1097/00004714-198904000-00007.

Abstract

Fenfluramine was administered to eight severely ill schizophrenic patients as an adjunct to neuroleptic drugs in a double-blind, multiple baseline design. A significant adverse effect of fenfluramine on psychopathology was detected through nurses' ratings, target symptom scales, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and time-sampled behavioral observations. Clinical deterioration was correlated with fenfluramine-induced reductions in blood serotonin levels and persisted beyond the point of discontinuation of fenfluramine.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / adverse effects*
  • Fenfluramine / blood
  • Fenfluramine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Random Allocation
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Serotonin / blood

Substances

  • Fenfluramine
  • Serotonin