The effects of antipsychotic therapy on serum lipids: a comprehensive review.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature since 1970 documenting the effects of antipsychotic agents on serum lipids, including a discussion of possible mechanisms for the observed phenomena, the clinical significance and recommendations for monitoring hyperlipidemia during antipsychotic therapy.


RESULTS
High-potency conventional antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) and the atypical antipsychotics, ziprasidone, risperidone and aripiprazole, appear to be associated with lower risk of hyperlipidemia. Low-potency conventional antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpormazine, thioridazine) and the atypical antipsychotics, quetiapine, olanzapine and clozapine, are associated with higher risk of hyperlipidemia. Possible hypotheses for lipid dysregulation include weight gain, dietary changes and the development of glucose intolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the multiple cardiovascular risk factors seen in patients with schizophrenia, great care must be exercised in the choice of antipsychotic therapy to minimize the medical burden of additional risk imposed by hyperlipidemia. It is recommended that a lipid panel be obtained at baseline in all patients with schizophrenia, annually thereafter for patients on agents associated with lower risk of hyperlipidemia and quarterly in patients on agents associated with higher risk for hyperlipidemia. All patients with persistent dyslipidemia should be referred for lipid-lowering therapy or switched to a less lipid-offending antipsychotic agent.
Meyer
Jonathan M
JM
University of California, San Diego VAMC (MC 116A), 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. jmmeyer@ucsd.edu
Koro
Carol E
CE
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides