Abstract
An Open-Label Pilot Trial of Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss in Patients with Schizophrenia without Diabetes
Author(s): Joseph C. Ratliff, Laura B. Palmese, Erin L. Reutenauer, Cenk TekA possible mechanism of antipsychotic-induced weight gain is activation of hypothalamic monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) mediated by histamine 1 receptors. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, counteracts this effect and may be helpful in reducing weight for patients taking antipsychotics. The objective of this open-label study was to assess the efficacy of ALA (1,200 mg) on twelve non-diabetic schizophrenia patients over ten weeks. Participants lost significant weight during the intervention (-2.2 kg±2.5 kg). ALA was well tolerated and was particularly effective for individuals taking strongly antihistaminic antipsychotics (-2.9 kg±2.6 kg vs. -0.5 kg±1.0 kg). Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01355952.