[Psychotropic drug-induced change of weight: a review].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to give a systematic review of change of weight associated with commonly used psychotropic drugs.


METHODS
Mainly based on a MEDLINE-supported review until April 2005, data from clinical studies with antidepressants, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers and neuroleptics were scanned for change of weight during treatment.


RESULTS
Among antidepressants amitryptiline and nortriptyline have the highest incidence of weight gain followed by imipramine. Maprotiline and mirtazapine have an intermediate weight increasing potential. SSRI (except paroxetine) and MAOI had no or only slight weight inducing effects. In contrary, bupropion was associated with weight reduction. Regarding mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants, a marked gain in weight with lithium and sodium valproate was reported frequently. With gabapentin and vigabatrin a slight to moderate gain in weight was found. Minor changes of weight were found with carbamazepine and lamotrigine. Treatment with topiramate and felbamate reportedly lead to weight loss. The atypical neuroleptics clozapine and olanzapine were frequently related to a strong gain in weight followed by risperidone. Quetiapine has intermediate effects. Stable weight was found with aripiprazole and ziprasidone. A gain in weight is less frequent with older/typical neuroleptics.


CONCLUSIONS
Beside some methodological restrictions like inconsistent information of weight changes (e. g. percent vs. mass) and the small sample of available long term studies, this review specifies the incidence of weight changes for commonly used psychotropic drugs and might be helpful to look for alternatives.
Abt. für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychosomatik Freiburg (Direktor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. M. Berger).
T
T
Drieling
N C
NC
Biedermann
L O
LO
Schärer
N
N
Strobl
J M
JM
Langosch
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors