Carbamazepine as an adjunct in the treatment of schizophrenia-like psychosis related to cannabis abuse

The efficacy of an adjuvant application of carbamazepine in cannabis-relate d schizophrenia-like psychosis not responsive to neuroleptic treatment is r eported for the first time. In two patients, psychotic states occurred afte r continuous cannabis consumption over a period of 8 and 18 months, respect ively, which were mainly characterized by severe thought disorders, disturb ances of perception, delusions and weak affect. Both patients were admitted to hospital with no previous clinical history of psychotic episodes. After nonresponsive treatment with neuroleptics over several weeks, they both ra pidly responded to additional medication with carbamazepine within a week a fter onset with a marked reduction in clinical signs and symptoms. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 14:37-39 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.