Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the lipid profile of patients taking clozapine.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the lipid-lowering properties of omega-3 fatty acids (also known as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) in a group of patients taking clozapine.


METHODS
Twenty-eight persons suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and currently taking clozapine participated in an open-label single-arm trial. Participants received supplements of 10 g of fish oil (containing 1.8 g of eicosopentaenoic acid and 1.2 g of docosahexaenoic acid) for a period of 28 days. Plasma lipids were measured on days 0 and 28.


RESULTS
This study demonstrated high rates of lipid abnormalities in the participants. Participants taking omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean serum triglyceride levels of 22%. There was an associated increase in total cholesterol (6.6%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (22%). Common side-effects included fishy burps or breath, but no serious side-effects or interactions where observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 fatty acids may be of value in patients taking clozapine and who have elevated serum triglyceride levels. Limitations of the study, practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Caniato
Riccardo N
RN
Institute of Mental Health Services, Townsville Health District, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia. riccardo_caniato@health.qld.gov.au
Alvarenga
Marlies E
ME
Garcia-Alcaraz
Miguel Angel
MA
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D003024:Clozapine