As part of a standardized sequence in the NIMH intramural clinical research program at the Neuroscience Center at Saint Elizabeth's, patients with schizophrenia are withdrawn from neuroleptic medication and, after clinical relapse, treated with a fixed dose of haloperidol. This in turn allows a variety of studies regarding the pharmacokinetics of haloperidol and the effects of haloperidol and other neuroleptics on central nervous system catecholamines. In addition, the response of these patients to alternative, non-neuroleptic antipsychotic agents is studied. Other pharmacological phenomena being examined in these patients include drug- drug interactions involving haloperidol and several other drugs, especially nicotine and caffeine. The direct effects of haloperidol, nicotine and caffeine on central catecholaminergic neurotransmitter/receptor function, cellular second messengers, and behavior are also being studied in both clinical and basic science investigations. A final focus is on elucidating the mechanisms involved in the syndrome of polydipsiahyponatremia, a potentially lethal problem that is relatively common in neuroleptic-treated patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01MH002263-07
Application #
3859885
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code