EFFECTS OF THE 7-NICOTINIC CHOLINERGIC RECEPTOR AGONIST DMXB-A IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Although current antipsychotic medications are helpful in treating false beliefs and false perceptions in schizophrenia, many patients are still unable to work or interact socially. People with schizophrenia still have difficulty with paying attention and concentration which re critical to full functioning. DMXB-A is a medication that specifically targets alpha 7 nicotinic receptors, which are deficient in schizophrenia and thought to be necessary for clear thinking. This medication has been successful when given in a one time dose to people with schizophrenia on their regular medications in increasing attention. DMXB-A was also without side effects with the one-time dose. This study proposes to give DMXB-A 75 mg and 150 mg in a twice a day dosing regimen for 4 weeks to see if the gains in attention are continued and if the medication is well tolerated.