The effect of raloxifene on symptoms and cognitive functioning in a postmenopausal schizophrenia patient: a case report

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015 Apr;18(2):259-261. doi: 10.1007/s00737-015-0500-9. Epub 2015 Jan 14.

Abstract

We report on a 61-year-old postmenopausal female with schizophrenia included in a raloxifene vs. placebo clinical trial and monitored during a 12-month period including a 3-month withdrawal period (6-9 months) without treatment. The patient was treated with raloxifene 60 mg/day adjuvant to antipsychotic medication for 6 months, medication was then withdrawn for 3 months and was reintroduced due to a worsening of symptoms. We assessed the patient with PANSS and other neuropsychological tests. The patient improved in psychopathology and cognitive level in some aspects related to executive functions. During 3 months without the drug, the patient's condition deteriorated. When the drug was reintroduced, improvements were again observed. Raloxifene may be useful as an adjuvant treatment for psychopathological symptoms and some cognitive aspects in women with chronic schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause / psychology*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Raloxifene Hydrochloride / therapeutic use*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Raloxifene Hydrochloride