Risperidone and Desipramine in Alcohol Use and Schizophrenia

Note: In June 2013, the study design was changed from a randomized controlled study of risperidone + despiramine vs. risperidone vs. placebo to an open label pre-post study of risperidone (or risperidone-like drug) + desipramine. The aims of the study were revised to read: 1. To determine whether participants treated with risperidone in combination with desiprmaine have less alcohol use (fewer drinking days; fewer heavy drinking days) during the final 8 weeks on these medications as compared to pre-baseline. The primary hypothesis is that compared to pre-baseline, participants will demonstrate fewer days of drinking (per week), as well as fewer days of heavy drinking (per week) in the final eight weeks they are taking risperidone and desipramine, as recorded on the Timeline Follow-Back assessment 2. To explore changes in symptoms (of schizophrenia and of depression) in the final eight weeks of treatment with risperidone + desipramine compared to the period before baseline 3. To assess the side effect burden associated with the combination of these two medications in participants. The original aims of the study were: The purpose of this study is to determine whether participants who are treated with risperidone in combination with desipramine have less alcohol use (fewer drinking days; fewer heavy drinking days) than do participants who are treated with RISP with placebo. The primary hypothesis is that compared to treatment with risperidone, participants randomized to a combination of risperidone plus desipramine will have fewer days of drinking, as well as fewer days of heavy drinking. The study will also compare the effects of risperidone as compared to risperidone plus desipramine on participants' symptoms and side effects.