A pilot open study of long term high dose creatine augmentation in patients with treatment resistant negative symptoms schizophrenia

Uri Levental, Yuly Bersudsky, Tzvi Dwalatzky, Vladimir Lerner, Sophie Medina, Joseph Levine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The effects of creatine on brain metabolism and the potential cognitive enhancing properties of this compound raise the possibility of developing a new augmentation therapeutic strategy in schizophrenia especially in patients demonstrating negative and cognitive symptomatology. Methods: Seven inpatients with chronic schizophrenia presenting with treatment resistant negative symptoms were enrolled into exploratory treatment study with creatine monohydrate augmentation at a daily high-dose of 10 grams, administered for 6 months. Several clinical rating scales and a computerized cognitive assessment battery were applied. Results: Creatine treatment mildly improved the schizophrenia symptomatology but there were no significant changes in cognitive functions. Several ward behaviors were also improved. Tardive parkinsonism improved numerically by above 40% in 4 out of 6 patients. Conclusion: This small, open design study of high dose creatine add-on for 6 months in chronic inpatients with schizophrenia demonstrated only mild positive effects on the patients’ symptomatology and behavior and might have beneficial effect on tardive parkinsonism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6-11
Number of pages6
JournalIsrael Journal of Psychiatry
Volume52
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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