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The Effect of Sublingual Atropine on Clozapine-Induced Sialorrhea in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
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Narges Shams Alizadeh1    , Sima Sardari2 , Azad Maroufi1 , Khaled Rahmani1 , Marzieh Moghadam1 |
1- Faculty of Medicine & Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2- Faculty of Medicine & Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , simasardari25@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (31 Views) |
Abstract
Background and Aim: Clozapine is the most effective treatment for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia; however, sialorrhea is a common and distressing side effect associated with its use. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublingual atropine on clozapine-induced sialorrhea in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods: This was a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 62 patients with schizophrenia. Patients were divided into two groups: the intervention group (1% sublingual atropine) and the control group (placebo). The severity and frequency of sialorrhea were assessed using the Drooling Rating Scale (DRS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the intervention and four weeks later. Data were analyzed using inferential statistical tests.
Results: Data from 57 patients were analyzed. In the atropine group, the mean severity (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.001) of sialorrhea significantly decreased. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group (P>0.05). Additionally, VAS scores in the atropine group showed a significant reduction after the intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Sublingual atropine can reduce the severity and frequency of clozapine-induced sialorrhea. However, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more precise evaluations are recommended.
Keywords:
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| Keywords: Atropine, Sialorrhea, Clozapine, Schizophrenia |
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Psychiatric
Received: 2024/05/29 | Accepted: 2025/05/17
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