Metformin for weight loss in pediatric patients taking psychotropic drugs.
OBJECTIVE
Metformin was assessed as a treatment for weight gain in children taking olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, or valproate.


METHODS
The subjects were 19 patients aged 10-18 years; 15 were white and four were black, and there were 12 boys and seven girls. In a 12-week open-label study, each patient received metformin, 500 mg t.i.d. Changes in weight and body mass index were evaluated by using repeated measures analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Of the 19 patients, 15 lost weight, three gained 1.6 kg or less, and one had no change. The mean changes in weight and body mass index at 12 weeks were highly significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin merits further study as a treatment for weight gain in patients taking psychotropic medications.
Morrison
John A
JA
Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinatti, Ohio 45229, USA. morrj@chmcc.org
Cottingham
Elizabeth M
EM
Barton
Bruce A
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008687:Metformin