Wang Q, et al. – For this meta–analysis, the clinicians aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive raloxifene for postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. They found that adjunctive raloxifene seems to be efficacious and safe for postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. They suggested that raloxifene might be efficacious for patients with less severe symptoms.

Methods

• 6 studies with four hundred forty patients, including two hundred twenty-five (51.14%) patients on raloxifene and two hundred fifteen (48.86%) on placebo who completed 13.71 ± 5.09 weeks of treatment, were incorporated into this investigation.

Results

• According to the findings obtained, meta-analysis of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores and positive, negative, and general symptom scores [standard mean difference (SMD) -0.22 to -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.01 to -0.02, p = 0.04-0.01; I² = 74–79%] showed an advantage of adjunctive raloxifene treatment over placebo treatment.
• No significant difference regarding discontinuation rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.38, p = 0.51] and adverse drug reactions (RR = 1.27, p = 0.57) were found between the 2 groups.