Famotidine in the Management of Schizophrenia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the use and potential benefit of famotidine in the management of schizophrenia.

DATA SOURCES:

Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (February 1998–October 1998). Key search terms included famotidine, schizophrenia, and histamine.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder associated with high morbidity if left unmanaged. Histamine₂ (H₂)-antagonists may be an alternative to conventional treatments. An evaluation of studies focusing on famotidine in the management of schizophrenic symptoms was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS:

Famotidine can improve schizophrenic symptoms that were otherwise refractory to typical antipsychotic agents. Further studies should be conducted to determine if other H₂-antagonists are also effective.