A molecular approach to treating cognition in schizophrenia by calcium channel blockade: An open-label pilot study of the calcium-channel antagonist isradipine

Cognitive impairment is a prominent and difficult to treat symptom in schizophrenia (SZ), which is directly related to functional disability. A variant in the gene coding for the alpha 1C subunit of L-type voltage gated calcium channel (CACNA1C) has been shown to negatively affect several neurocognitive domains. We conducted a 4-week, open label, pilot study of isradipine, a calcium channel blocker, to determine its feasibility, safety, and efficacy in improving cognition in SZ patients. Ten adults with stable SZ were started on a flexible dose of isradipine 5 mg/day (up to 10 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Weekly in-person visits tracked side effects and symptoms while neurocognition and functional capacity were assessed at baseline and week 4. There were no serious adverse events reported. Newly emergent side effects were dizziness (1 new incidence at week 4); difficulty sleeping (2 new incidences at week 4); and decreased energy (3 new incidences at week 4). 1 patient discontinued medication and was withdrawn. Treatment did not exacerbate clinical symptoms. Although power is limited, results indicate no clear benefit on neurocognition but a positive effect (baseline mean = 6.8 ± 1.3 to week 4 mean = 7.9 ± 1.1; t = 2.91, p = 0.017) on functional capacity was noted. This open label, pilot study provides preliminary evidence that isradipine is a relatively safe medication when used adjunctively in SZ patients. This study suggests that isradipine offers no clear cognitive and only minimal functional benefit; however, additional studies may be warranted in symptomatic patients, or those with specific CACNA1C genotypes.