Project Summary

James P. Kelleher, M.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of North Shore University Hospital, notes that 58-55% of patients with schizophrenia are addicted to nicotine (via cigarette smoking) as compared to 25% of the general population, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality.  Using glantamine (a cholinesterase inhibitor,) which may be beneficial in treating nicotine dependence, Dr. Kelleher will study subjects with schizophrenia of schizoaffective disorder to obtain evidence which will be useful regarding the benefits and risks of galantamine, in the treatment of co-morbid nicotine dependence compared with placebo which will establish pilot data for future studies.  Galantamine, because of its mechanisms of action, may also prove useful in the treatment of negative and cognitive symptoms.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Nicotine

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