Pharmacotherapy to limit weight gain caused by antipsychotic use.
Obesity is a major health problem, especially in patients with severe mental illnesses. Newer atypical antipsychotics are better tolerated and have fewer extrapyramidal side effects, however, they can cause significant weight gain. This poses a considerable added burden and increases the likelihood of developing medical illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity in patients taking antipsychotic medication can usually be avoided, if behavioural modification and pharmacological measures are implemented from the outset. Greater awareness and a willingness to address the problem are needed along with more research into the development of weight gain and its prevention. This review examines these issues with a pharmacotherapy focus.
Malhi
Gin S
GS
The Mood Disorders Unit, The Villa, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Sydney, Australia. g.malhi@unsw.edu.au
Mitchell
Philip B
PB
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents