The effect of dopamine partial agonists on the nicotine dependency in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective: We compared the effects of haloperidol and three atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole) on nicotine dependence in schizophrenic patients.

Methods: One hundred and thirty nine schizophrenic patients, who began using antipsychotic medication, were assessed for severity of nicotine dependence and for cigarette craving at baseline and following 8 weeks of treatment using the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) and a Likert-style, seven point, visual-analogue rating scale.

Results: Nicotine dependence increased in the haloperidol group, but not in atypical antipsychotics groups. Patients treated with aripiprazole showed a reduction both in nicotine dependence and cigarette craving.

Conclusions: The effects of aripiprazole, a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor, may reduce the severity of nicotine dependence in schizophrenic patients.