Cariprazine Improves Both Schizophrenia Symptoms and Cannabis Dependence Over 6 Months
In a 6-month observational study of 58 patients with both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, cariprazine treatment significantly improved psychotic symptoms, reduced cannabis use and dependence, and improved daily functioning.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cariprazine treatment over 6 months produced significant improvements in schizophrenia symptoms (PANSS change: -47.88 points, p<0.0001; CGI-SCH change: -8.26 points, p<0.0001). Cannabis use and dependence also decreased (CAST change: -7.0 points, p<0.0001; SDS change: -7.88 points, p<0.0001). Functioning improved (SDI change: -9.48 points, p<0.0001).
Key Numbers
58 patients. 6-month follow-up. PANSS: -47.88 points (p<0.0001). CGI-SCH: -8.26 points (p<0.0001). CAST: -7.0 points (p<0.0001). SDS: -7.88 points (p<0.0001). SDI: -9.48 points (p<0.0001).
How They Did This
6-month observational study of 58 patients diagnosed with both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, treated with cariprazine in a real-world clinical setting. Multiple validated outcome measures for psychosis, cannabis use, dependence, and functioning.
Why This Research Matters
Patients with both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder are common but poorly served by treatments that address only one condition. Finding a single medication that may improve both is clinically valuable.
The Bigger Picture
Dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance use is extremely common but rarely treated as a unified condition. Cariprazine, a partial dopamine agonist, may have unique properties that address both the psychotic and addictive components.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
No control group or randomization. Small sample (n=58). Observational design cannot establish causation. Real-world setting with potential selection bias. Improvement could reflect regression to the mean or natural course.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these effects?
- ?What properties of cariprazine specifically reduce cannabis use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Significant improvements on all measures, but uncontrolled observational design with only 58 patients limits causal conclusions.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication.
- Original Title:
- Cariprazine as a maintenance treatment in dual schizophrenia: a 6-month observational study in patients with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.
- Published In:
- International clinical psychopharmacology, 40(3), 167-175 (2025)
- Authors:
- Szerman, Nestor, Vega, Pablo, Roncero, Carlos(4), Peris, Lola, Grau-López, Lara, Basurte-Villamor, Ignacio
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07759
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can one medication treat both schizophrenia and cannabis addiction?
This observational study found cariprazine improved both schizophrenia symptoms and cannabis dependence over 6 months in 58 patients. However, without a control group, it is unclear if cariprazine is uniquely effective or if other antipsychotics would show similar results.
Does treating psychosis help reduce cannabis use?
In this study, patients receiving cariprazine for schizophrenia also showed significant reductions in cannabis use and dependence scores. This suggests that effective psychosis treatment may help address co-occurring substance use, though the study design cannot prove causation.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07759APA
Szerman, Nestor; Vega, Pablo; Roncero, Carlos; Peris, Lola; Grau-López, Lara; Basurte-Villamor, Ignacio. (2025). Cariprazine as a maintenance treatment in dual schizophrenia: a 6-month observational study in patients with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.. International clinical psychopharmacology, 40(3), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000568
MLA
Szerman, Nestor, et al. "Cariprazine as a maintenance treatment in dual schizophrenia: a 6-month observational study in patients with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.." International clinical psychopharmacology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000568
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cariprazine as a maintenance treatment in dual schizophrenia..." RTHC-07759. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/szerman-2025-cariprazine-as-a-maintenance
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.