Double blind trial of adjunctive valacyclovir in individuals with schizophrenia who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus

Schizophr Res. 2009 Feb;107(2-3):147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2008.10.007. Epub 2008 Nov 12.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate if adjunctive valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, reduces symptoms of persistent schizophrenia in individuals who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Method: N=47 CMV seropositive schizophrenia outpatients were randomly assigned to receive valacyclovir 1 g twice daily (n=24) or placebo (n=23) for 16 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in. Symptoms were assessed biweekly.

Results: There was no significant difference in the change of positive, negative, general, or total PANSS symptoms between the valacyclovir vs. the placebo group.

Conclusions: The study did not demonstrate benefit of adjunctive valacyclovir for schizophrenia individuals with persistent symptoms who are CMV seropositive.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir / adverse effects
  • Acyclovir / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Baltimore
  • Comorbidity
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Valacyclovir
  • Valine / administration & dosage
  • Valine / adverse effects
  • Valine / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Valine
  • Valacyclovir
  • Acyclovir