background The tetracyclic antibiotic minocycline appears to have positive results when added to the the treatment prescribed for persistent symptoms of schizophrenia.
aim To provide an overview of the literature on minocycline and schizophrenia.
method PubMed, up to September 2013, was scanned for articles relating to minocycline and schizophrenia.
results We found seven case reports with regard to the use of minocycline as an additive in the treatment of persistent schizophrenia. Furthermore, an open-label study and two randomised placebo-controlled studies regarding this addition were published. Using minocycline may add to the improvement of negative symptoms and cognition in patients with schizophrenia.
conclusion It is concluded, albeit somewhat cautiously, that minocycline may be helpful in treating negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.