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.
psychiatrists, dual diagnosis treatment specialists, patients with co-occurring psychosis and cannabis use
What the researchers 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).
Why it 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 numbers in context
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 the study worked
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.
What this study cannot 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.
How to read the evidence
Significant improvements on all measures, but uncontrolled observational design with only 58 patients limits causal conclusions.
When this study was published
2025 publication.
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.
Questions still open
- Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these effects?
- What properties of cariprazine specifically reduce cannabis use?
Common questions
Can one medication treat both schizophrenia and cannabis addiction?
Does treating psychosis help reduce cannabis use?
Read the original research
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
Citation
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
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