Clozapine Augmentation With Antiepileptic Drugs for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2017

Wei Zheng, and Yu-Tao Xiang, and Xin-Hu Yang, and Ying-Qiang Xiang, and Jose de Leon
Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, Guangzhou, China. zhengwei0702@163.com.

OBJECTIVE To meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the efficacy and safety of adjunctive antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to augment clozapine therapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHODS The search included databases in English (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register) and in Chinese (China Journal Net [CJN], WanFang, and China Biology Medicine [CBM]) and references from retrieved articles. The databases were searched using dates inclusive from their onset until January 1, 2016, for terms reflecting (a) schizophrenia, (b) clozapine, and (c) adjunctive drugs. METHODS From 1,969 potentially relevant articles, 21 articles describing 22 RCTs were selected. METHODS Two independent investigators extracted data for a random-effects meta-analysis and assessed the quality of the studies using risk of bias and the Jadad scale. Standard mean difference, risk ratio (RR) ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the number needed to harm (NNH) were used. RESULTS A total of 22 RCTs (N = 1,227) with 4 AEDs (topiramate [5 RCTs, n = 270], lamotrigine [8 RCTs, n = 299], sodium valproate [6 RCTs, n = 430], and magnesium valproate [3 RCTs, n = 228]) were analyzed. The means weighted by sample size were 12.1 weeks for treatment duration, 36.2 years for age, and 61% for male frequency. Significant superiority in total psychopathology was observed for topiramate (P < .0001), lamotrigine (P = .05), and sodium valproate (P = .002), compared to clozapine monotherapy. After removing outliers, the positive effect of sodium valproate remained, but the positive effect of lamotrigine disappeared (P = .40). Significantly improved efficacy in positive and general symptom severity was observed for topiramate (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively) and sodium valproate (P = .009 and P = .003, respectively). There were no significant differences regarding adverse drug reactions and all-cause discontinuations except for topiramate, which was associated with more all-cause discontinuations (RR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16 to 3.39; P = .01; I² = 0%; NNH = 7). CONCLUSIONS Sodium valproate augmentation was efficacious and safe. Topiramate augmentation had a too-high discontinuation rate. High-quality RCTs are needed to inform clinical recommendations.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D003024 Clozapine A tricylic dibenzodiazepine, classified as an atypical antipsychotic agent. It binds several types of central nervous system receptors, and displays a unique pharmacological profile. Clozapine is a serotonin antagonist, with strong binding to 5-HT 2A/2C receptor subtype. It also displays strong affinity to several dopaminergic receptors, but shows only weak antagonism at the dopamine D2 receptor, a receptor commonly thought to modulate neuroleptic activity. Agranulocytosis is a major adverse effect associated with administration of this agent. Clozaril,Leponex
D004351 Drug Resistance Diminished or failed response of an organism, disease or tissue to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should be differentiated from DRUG TOLERANCE which is the progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, as a result of continued administration. Resistance, Drug
D004359 Drug Therapy, Combination Therapy with two or more separate preparations given for a combined effect. Combination Chemotherapy,Polychemotherapy,Chemotherapy, Combination,Combination Drug Therapy,Drug Polytherapy,Therapy, Combination Drug,Chemotherapies, Combination,Combination Chemotherapies,Combination Drug Therapies,Drug Polytherapies,Drug Therapies, Combination,Polychemotherapies,Polytherapies, Drug,Polytherapy, Drug,Therapies, Combination Drug
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000927 Anticonvulsants Drugs used to prevent SEIZURES or reduce their severity. Anticonvulsant,Anticonvulsant Drug,Anticonvulsive Agent,Anticonvulsive Drug,Antiepileptic,Antiepileptic Agent,Antiepileptic Agents,Antiepileptic Drug,Anticonvulsant Drugs,Anticonvulsive Agents,Anticonvulsive Drugs,Antiepileptic Drugs,Antiepileptics,Agent, Anticonvulsive,Agent, Antiepileptic,Agents, Anticonvulsive,Agents, Antiepileptic,Drug, Anticonvulsant,Drug, Anticonvulsive,Drug, Antiepileptic,Drugs, Anticonvulsant,Drugs, Anticonvulsive,Drugs, Antiepileptic
D012559 Schizophrenia A severe emotional disorder of psychotic depth characteristically marked by a retreat from reality with delusion formation, HALLUCINATIONS, emotional disharmony, and regressive behavior. Dementia Praecox,Schizophrenic Disorders,Disorder, Schizophrenic,Disorders, Schizophrenic,Schizophrenias,Schizophrenic Disorder
D012565 Schizophrenic Psychology Study of mental processes and behavior of schizophrenics. Psychology, Schizophrenic

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