The effect of betahistine, a histamine H1 receptor agonist/H3 antagonist, on olanzapine-induced weight gain in first-episode schizophrenia patients.
Histamine antagonism has been implicated in antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain. Betahistine, a histamine enhancer with H1 agonistic/H3 antagonistic properties (48 mg t.i.d.), was coadministered with olanzapine (10 mg/day) in three first-episode schizophrenia patients for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured at baseline and weekly thereafter. Clinical rating scales were completed at baseline and at week 6. All participants gained weight (mean weight gain 3.1+/-0.9 kg) and a similar pattern of weight gain was observed: an increase during the first 2 weeks and no additional weight gain (two patients) or minor weight loss (one patient) from weeks 3 to 6. None gained 7% of baseline weight, which is the cut-off for clinically significant weight gain. Betahistine was safe and well tolerated and did not interfere with the antipsychotic effect of olanzapine. Our findings justify a placebo-controlled evaluation of the putative weight-attenuating effect of betahistine in olanzapine-induced weight gain.
Poyurovsky
Michael
M
Research Unit, Tirat Carmel Mental Health Center, Tirat Carmel, Israel. poyurovs@tx.technion.ac.il
Pashinian
Artashes
A
Levi
Aya
A
Weizman
Ronit
R
Weizman
Abraham
A
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001621:Betahistine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D017442:Histamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D000077152:Olanzapine; D018100:Receptors, Histamine H3 / Q000187:drug effects*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017442:Histamine Agonists; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D018100:Receptors, Histamine H3; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine; D001621:Betahistine