Could ditching a common drug sharpen the mind in schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT06562608
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
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.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital/University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
Contact
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••