Reduction of Anticholinergic Medications for Mental Illness
(RAMP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to reduce anticholinergic medications, which block certain nerve impulses, for individuals with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It focuses on those who no longer need these medications and are currently stable with their treatment. The trial suits individuals who have been on these medications for at least six months and are deemed stable by their healthcare providers. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance medication management for stable patients.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial aims to reduce certain medications used for mental illness, so you may need to stop or reduce those specific medications. However, the protocol does not specify if you must stop all current medications. It's best to discuss with the trial team and your doctor.
What prior data suggests that reducing anticholinergic medications is safe for individuals with mental illness?
Research shows that reducing certain medications, known as anticholinergics, in individuals with mental illness might improve thinking and overall health. Long-term use of these medications can lead to memory and physical ability problems. Reducing their use may prevent or slow these issues.
Previous studies have not found a connection between these medications and serious conditions like dementia. While long-term use carries some risks, reducing them does not seem to introduce new safety concerns.
In summary, the aim is to reduce unnecessary medication to potentially enhance mental clarity and health. This approach appears safe based on current research, but each person's situation is unique.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the reduction of anticholinergic medications for mental illness because this approach aims to minimize side effects associated with these drugs. Most treatments for mental illness, like antipsychotics and antidepressants, can have significant anticholinergic side effects, such as memory issues and confusion. By reducing reliance on these medications, the goal is to improve overall cognitive function and quality of life for patients, without compromising the treatment of their mental health condition. This approach could lead to more personalized and tolerable treatment strategies.
What evidence suggests that reducing anticholinergic medication is effective for mental illness?
Research has shown that reducing certain medications, called anticholinergics, in people with psychosis or serious mental illness can lead to positive results. In this trial, participants will reduce their anticholinergic medications. One study found that patients who took fewer of these medications experienced fewer side effects. Another study showed that reducing these medications improved their ability to learn and remember words. Long-term use of anticholinergics has been linked to declines in physical and mental abilities, so reducing them might help prevent these problems. Overall, these findings suggest that taking fewer of these medications could improve mental functions and reduce unwanted side effects.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Professor of Psychiatry, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses who are currently taking anticholinergic medications that may no longer be necessary.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo anticholinergic medication reduction using a stepped-wedge, randomized trial design
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of cognitive and side effects
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Reduction of Anticholinergic Medication
Trial Overview
The study aims to assess the effects of reducing anticholinergic medication in patients with psychiatric disorders. It will observe changes in cognitive functions and overall health after lowering these meds.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Collaborator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Collaborator
Citations
Reducing Anticholinergic Medication Burden in Patients ...
In this interdisciplinary, collaborative QI project, patients whose anticholinergic burden was reduced experienced a significant improvement in side effects ...
Reduction of Anticholinergic Medications Among Persons ...
In addition to affirming earlier positive clinical outcomes in the preliminary work, the investigators intend to assess barriers to and facilitators of ...
Anticholinergic Burden and Cognitive Function in Psychosis
Finally, tapering off anticholinergic medication improved the scores in verbal learning (d=0.77, 95% CI=0.44, 1.1), working memory (d=0.94, 95% ...
Deprescribing anticholinergic medication in the community ...
Conclusions. These results suggest that deprescription of ACM in a community mental health center can occur with prescriber education and support. However, ...
Ten‐Year Outcomes of Anticholinergic Use Among Older ...
In the general population, the long-term exposure to anticholinergics has been associated with declines in both physical and cognitive function.
Anticholinergic deprescribing interventions for reducing risk of ...
Reducing anticholinergic burden through deprescribing interventions may help to prevent onset of cognitive impairment or slow the rate of cognitive decline.
A Call to Psychiatrists: Deprescription of Unnecessary ...
To this point, a recent study of 112,542 persons with mental illness reported that 54% had moderate to high anticholinergic medication burden, ...
Are Anticholinergic Medications Associated With Increased ...
In this study, the usage of anticholinergics was not associated with the risk of dementia or BPSD in a 15-year follow-up study.
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