Sodium Oxybate in Schizophrenia With Insomnia

Summary

The present protocol proposes study of the recently approved compound sodium oxybate (Xyrem), a gamma-aminobutyric acid type b (GABAB) and a g-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) receptor agonist, for the study of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia. Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant currently approved for treatment of narcolepsy associated with cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition to evaluating effects on sodium oxybate on persistent symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia, the study will test the hypothesis that this medication may be particularly effective in combating Insomnia Related to Schizophrenia, and in normalizing symptomatic and polysomnographic manifestations of sleep-related brain dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Timeline

Start

2008-05

Primary completion

2009-04

Completion

2009-04

Publications

• Results Kantrowitz JT, Oakman E, Bickel S, Citrome L, Spielman A, Silipo G, Battaglia J, Javitt DC. The importance of a good night's sleep: an open-label trial of the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in insomnia associated with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2010 Jul;120(1-3):225-6. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.03.035. No abstract available.

Drugs

Indications