Research recently completed by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) has determined that the commonly used acne medication minocycline may also be used for the treatment of schizophrenia.

After the initial study, NIHR will put an additional $1.9 million into further researching this theory. The acne medication was originally discovered as a potential treatment for schizophrenia after the drug was prescribed to patients in Japan. These patients saw significant improvements in the symptoms of their illness after taking the medication.

Further studies still need to be done to see if minocycline is another potential treatment for this schizophrenia. If studies are successful, it will be a significant achievement for mental health research. The medication is also cost effective.

Testing will be done in different countries, such as Pakistan, Brazil, and Israel, to assess if the acne medication can, in fact, be used as a schizophrenia treatment option.

Source—Top News

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How can we try this medication? It seems harmless. Do we truly have to wait until research is completed? Who knows how long that could take.

Hi, did you ever get a response in re. to using the Acme meds. on schizophrenia..I'm with you, it might be worth giving it a try on your own...have you tried it? I would be interested if you have and if there were any positive results. Thanks

No, I asked the psychiatrist and she won't prescribe it

Sorry about that! I guess I could understand, in a way.
I am asking as my son is paranoid Schizophrenic...Began in college and after grad.
repeatedly 51/50 etc. Now forty years old, it has decreased quite a bit. Works
part time..surfs when the waves are good..but we are always looking for something
new.
Never give up hope!! Stay on your meds and take care of your body! and believe!!

I have a relative about whom I would like to treat with this med. I read that the results of the Israeli study should be available at the end of this month - Jan 2013.

Check uphttp://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01133080

Lets keep in touch in re. to this treatment! Thanks!

Sure!

I just found this link to the outcome of the minocycline study
www.scirp.org/journal/PaperDownload.aspx?paperID=25108
Where do we go from here?

Well, I just got through most of the report Not easy to understand I must admit! So, although, what I can make of it, it is still in experimental stages, no side effects, but a ways off before one can use it as treatment.And it looks like treating in the early stages is best, like with anything..fill me in if I missed something; I wont be surprised!!
Is this for you or a family member...you dont have to respond..
Our son grad. from UCSB here Calif. with Schizophrnia...he is 41 now..great guy, very intellegent...lives on his own..wks part time..still surfs when the waves are good..very lonely...very social but no one to socialize with. Thats part of the life I guess! Anyway, I still hope for a miracle in his life so we must be diligent to keep our ears/eyes open..someday it will happen. Hopefully, in our lifetime!