Controlled Trial of Brexpiprazole For The Treatment of Co-occurring Schizophrenia and Substance U… (NCT03526354) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Controlled Trial of Brexpiprazole For The Treatment of Co-occurring Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder
United States50 participantsStarted 2018-06-19
Plain-language summary
The proposed study is a 4-site, 12-week, novel, feasibility, investigation of patients who have co-occurring diagnoses of schizophrenia and current substance use disorder (alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or cannabis). Thirty-nine participants will be randomly assigned to switch to brexpiprazole (the brexpiprazole group) or remain on the same antipsychotic treatment (the control group). The study will be conducted at 4 sites in the US. The investigators expect to enroll 80 subjects across 3 sites. UMass Medical School, Worcester MA is the lead site. Sub-sites include Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age 18-65 years old
. Meets the DSM-5 criteria for diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and substance use disorder (alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or cannabis) based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for the DSM-5 (MINI 7.0)
. Uses substance on at least 4 of the past 30 days prior to randomization with at least one use in the week prior to randomization for one of substances (cocaine, heroin, cannabis or alcohol) assessed by the TLFB interview
. Stable dose of antipsychotic agent for at least one month
. Well established compliance with outpatient medications
. Female subjects of child-bearing potential are required to practice appropriate birth control methods during the study.
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.