[Weight gain during treatment with antipsychotics: clinical relevance, pathophysiology, and therapeutical strategies]

Psychiatr Prax. 2004 Nov:31 Suppl 2:S233-7. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-828475.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The clinical relevance of drug-induced weight changes is due to the development of obesity, increased rates of morbidity and reduced treatment compliance, even if the psychopharmacological treatment is effective. Possible underlying causes of weight gain in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs are the psychiatric disorder itself, and changes in the neurotransmitter, cytokine and hormone systems. Clinical management of psychopharmacologically induced weight gain includes diet, behavioral and pharmacological therapy. Possible add-on strategies - based on case reports and small studies - are ephedrine, sibutramine, orlistat, topiramate, nizatidine, naltrexone, metformin, amantadine, and reboxetine.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects
  • Appetite Depressants / therapeutic use
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Hormones / blood
  • Humans
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Obesity / chemically induced*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*
  • Weight Gain / physiology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Appetite Depressants
  • Cytokines
  • Hormones
  • Neurotransmitter Agents