Aripiprazole plus Topiramate in Opioid-Dependent Patients with Schizoaffective Disorder: An 8-Week, Open-Label, Uncontrolled, Preliminary Study

.Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate a combination of aripiprazole and topiramate in the treatment of opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and, further, to taper off patients from methadone treatment. Methods: Twenty patients who met DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) criteria for opioid dependence and schizoaffective disorder receiving MMT (80mg/day) were given aripiprazole (10mg/day) plus topiramate (up to 200mg/day) for 8 weeks. A methadone dose reduction of 3mg/day until suspension at week 4 was established. Results: Aripiprazole plus topiramate was effective in reducing clinical symptoms, and a rapid tapering off of MMT was achieved. Conclusions: Combining aripiprazole and topiramate may be effective in patients with a dual diagnosis of opioid dependency and schizoaffective disorder.