Adolescent weight loss during treatment with olanzapine.
Antipsychotic medications are increasingly used in adolescents for a variety of psychiatric difficulties, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, and aggression. Weight gain is a significant side effect of neuroleptics, which may limit adolescents' compliance with these medications. This report presents a case of significant weight loss while on olanzapine, with a body mass index (BMI) falling from 25 to 19.5 during 8 months of treatment. Possible mechanisms for this effect are discussed.
Cohen
Judith A
JA
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, USA. jcohen1@wpahs.org
Perel
James M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077152:Olanzapine; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine