Add-on Sodium Nitroprusside to Treatment as Usual in Schizophrenia
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
In spite of the numerous studies on schizophrenia, its etiology and physiopathology remain
unknown. Evidence suggests a possible implication of nitric oxide (NO) in schizophrenia. NO
is a gas with unique chemistry and influences the release of neurotransmitters, learning,
memory and neurodevelopment. Recent studies that investigated the role of NO in patients with
schizophrenia found evidence that points to a disruption in NO-mediated neurotransmission in
schizophrenia. Accordingly, we believe that the administration of sodium nitroprusside, an NO
donor, will ameliorate schizophrenia symptoms.