Assessment of changes in both weight and frequency of use of medications for the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms among clozapine-treated patients.
Clozapine has an unusual profile of adverse effects; among them, gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are important management concerns. The charts of patients in a state hospital who received clozapine for at least 3 months were reviewed. We compared the pre- and post-clozapine weights and changes in frequency and intensity of use of drugs prescribed for gastrointestinal symptoms for each subject (n = 99). There were statistically significant increases in the use of antacids (p < 0.02) and both bulk and non-bulk laxatives (p < 0.05, p < 0.03). Seventy-three percent of patients gained weight, of whom 27% gained over 10% body weight. This study confirms clozapine's association with weight gain, constipation, and upper GI symptoms. The literature concerning weight gain, and the mechanisms underlying GI adverse effects were reviewed.
John
J P
JP
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Chengappa
K N
KN
Baker
R W
RW
Gupta
B
B
Mortimer
M T
MT
D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D000863:Antacids; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002400:Cathartics; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D003024:Clozapine