Extended Antipsychotic Dosing

Study Details

At CAMH there is currently a study examining antipsychotic treatment in people with schizophrenia, and you may be eligible to take part in this study.

The study examines whether “extended” antipsychotic treatment - in this case, antipsychotic treatment every other day - is as effective as daily treatment. As part of this work, we are also evaluating whether there may be differences in terms of side effects. Some research has already been done,  but additional trials are required to establish (i) whether this strategy is as clinically effective as daily maintenance therapy, and (ii) if there are advantages in terms of side effects.

We are looking for participants who:

• are 18 years of age or older
• have a diagnosis of schizophrenia
• are taking only 1 antipsychotic (olanzapine, risperidone, or paliperidone) for at least 3 months
• are able to communicate in English

If you meet the eligibility criteria of the study, you will be randomly assigned to either the treatment as usual group (i.e., taking your daily antipsychotic) or the extended dosing group (i.e., taking your antipsychotic every other day). This study will last for 1 year.

Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. You will be evaluated at the beginning and every two weeks during the first 6 months, with visits once every 4 weeks for the final 6 months. In total, you will make 22 visits over 52 weeks. Participants are compensated for their time.

For more information about programs and services at CAMH please visit www.camh.ca or call 416-535-8501 (or 1-800-463-6273)

What is the purpose of the study?
This study examines whether people who take Olanzapine or Risperidone daily for their schizophrenia can be safely switched to only taking these medications every other day. Participants will randomly be assigned to a control group, where they will continue on their daily dosing regimen, or an experimental group where they will be switched to only taking Olanzapine or Risperidone once every two days.

• Individuals withSchizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, Other Psychotic Disorder

Age range: 18+

Gender: All

Ethnicity:All

What does the study involve?

• Number of contacts: 22 in-person visits
• Time period: 52 weeks
• Length of contacts:Ranges from 30min to 2 hours
• Treatment offered:Yes

Study Location(s):
250 College St.
100 Stokes St. (Queen Site)

Investigator(s): Dr. Gary Remington

Contact Information:

• Phone: 416-535-8501 ext.34321

Study End Date: 30 September 2026
REB number: 154/2018
Full Study Title: Re-Examining Maintenance Antipsychotic Treatment in Schizophrenia: "Extended" Antipsychotic Dosing

PLEASE NOTE:

• Research staff cannot give medical advice over the phone.
• If you have specific questions regarding your health care, please contact your family physician.
• We regret that not everyone screened for a study will be eligible to participate
• For more information about other treatment options for mental illness or addiction offered by CAMH, visit www.camh.ca or call 416-535-8501.

Contact

To learn more or ask about joining our study, call us at 416-535-8501 ext. 34321.