A Pilot Trial of Acute N-Acetylcysteine Effects on Working Memory and Other Cognitive Functions in Schizophrenia

A Pilot Trial of Acute N-Acetylcysteine Effects on Working Memory and Other Cognitive Functions in Schizophrenia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the amino acid supplement N-Acetylcysteine versus placebo on working memory and other cognitive functions in persons with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Working memory impairment in Schizophrenia is produced by deficiencies of feedback inhibition of glutamate release, due to low cysteine-glutamate antiporter activity. Because of this mechanism, we are interested in whether acute administration of N-Acetylcysteine will improve performance of patients with schizophrenia on a battery of cognitive tasks utilized to test working memory and other cognitive domains, versus placebo. This pilot study will utilize a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects will be between 18-60
• Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM) criteria for schizophrenia
• Be on a stable dose of antipsychotic medication for at least 1 month
• Be deemed clinically stable for 3 months by the regular clinical staff

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current substance or alcohol abuse
• Pregnancy
• Clozapine treatment
• Known sensitivity to sulphur containing compounds
• Previous diagnosis of mental retardation
• Nitroglycerin use
• Asthma diagnosis, verified and treated by a primary care doctor
• Use of any other medication that may interact with the study medication