Could ditching a common drug sharpen the mind in schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT06562608
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at whether stopping unnecessary anticholinergic drugs (benztropine or trihexyphenidyl) can improve thinking, quality of life, and brain function in people aged 40-70 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants will either stay on their medication or undergo deprescribing as part of routine care, with follow-ups over 6 months. The goal is to see if reducing these drugs leads to better cognitive performance and daily functioning.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- benztropine or trihexyphenidyl (anticholinergic drugs)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that reducing unnecessary anticholinergic medications improves cognitive function and daily living in older adults with schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small Phase 4 study with 105 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Deprescribing may not lead to significant improvements, and some participants might experience withdrawal or return of side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital/University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could a new pill for schizophrenia pass its first human test?
- Can a new daily pill offer safer Long-Term control of schizophrenia?
- Can an Anti-Seizure drug quiet the brain and sharpen thinking in schizophrenia?
- Can a dissolving film tame agitation in schizophrenia?
- Can a phone app teach the brain to read social cues?
- Can a gentle brain current silence voices that medication Can't?