Body weight changes associated with psychopharmacology.
OBJECTIVE
The authors discuss changes in body weight associated with various psychopharmaceuticals.


METHODS
A large number of articles and books about drug-induced changes in body weight, selected on the basis of various literature searches and the authors' clinical experiences with psychopharmaceuticals, were reviewed.


RESULTS
Many psychotropic drugs with antipsychotic, mood stabilizing, and antidepressant properties are associated with weight gain. Others, such as fluoxetine, isocarboxazid, nefazadone, topiramate, and psychostimulants, may cause weight loss. The antipsychotic drugs chlorpromazine, clozapine, and olanzapine are often associated with weight gain. Among antidepressants, amitriptyline and mirtazapine are known to cause weight gain. However, reductions are sometimes observed, and each antidepressant has its own unique weight-effect profile. Mood stabilizers, especially valproate-related products, are also associated with weight gain.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful monitoring and consideration of alternative therapies are essential.
Vanina
Yelena
Y
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science of the University of Louisville, Kentuchy 40202, USA.
Podolskaya
Anna
A
Sedky
Karim
K
Shahab
Hasan
H
Siddiqui
Abufarah
A
Munshi
Firoz
F
Lippmann
Steven
S
D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs