RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07043803

Reduction of Anticholinergic Medications Among Persons With Schizophrenia or Other Psychiatric Disorders

Reduction of Anticholinergic Medications Project (RAMP) Among Persons With Schizophrenia or Other Psychiatric Disorders Across UPMC Behavioral Healthcare Partner Organizations Using a Stepped-wedge, Randomized Trial Study Design.


Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

111 participants

Start Date

Jul 16, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

The goal of this study is to reduce Anticholinergic Medication (ACM) in persons with psychoses or serious mental illness, when these medications are no longer needed.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether it is safe and feasible to reduce or stop a category of medications called anticholinergic medications (ACMs) in people with schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders. These medications are often prescribed to manage movement side effects from antipsychotic drugs, but they can cause their own problems — including memory issues, dry mouth, and constipation. The study explores whether patients who are clinically stable can safely taper off these drugs. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or another psychiatric illness - You have been taking both anticholinergic medications and antipsychotics for at least 6 months - You have been clinically stable for at least 3 months, as assessed by your care team - You are taking the anticholinergic medication specifically to manage movement side effects from antipsychotics - Examination shows that movement side effects are minimal or absent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You still have significant movement side effects that require the medication - You have not been stable long enough - Your healthcare team determines the taper is not appropriate for you Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERReduction of anticholinergic medication

Shared decision making between the patient and prescriber will determine the timing and speed of reduction over a period of 12 to 16 weeks. Some patients will be discontinued from these anticholinergic medications (benztropine/trihexyphenidyl), others will be tapered from their original dosage but not completely discontinued, and some patients may not be able to taper the anticholinergic medications at all.


Locations(4)

Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies

Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States

UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor

Erie, Pennsylvania, United States

Western Behavioral Health Mon Yough

McKeesport, Pennsylvania, United States

Comprehensive Recovery Services (Pittsburgh) of Western Psychiatric Hospital, Ambulatory Clinics and Residential Programs - UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

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NCT07043803


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