The effect of dopamine partial agonists on the nicotine dependency in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective We compared the effects of haloperidol and three atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole) on nicotine dependence in schizophrenic patients. Methods One hundred and thirty nine schizophrenic patients, who began using antipsychotic medication, were assessed for severity of nicotine dependence and for cigarette craving at baseline and following 8 weeks of treatment using the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) and a Likert-style, seven point, visual-analogue rating scale. Results Nicotine dependence increased in the haloperidol group, but not in atypical antipsychotics groups. Patients treated with aripiprazole showed a reduction both in nicotine dependence and cigarette craving. Conclusions The effects of aripiprazole, a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor, may reduce the severity of nicotine dependence in schizophrenic patients. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.