Memantine-associated reversal of clozapine-induced weight gain.
BACKGROUND
Weight gain is a frequently observed adverse event in the treatment with atypical antipsychotics that significantly affects the patients' physical health and treatment compliance.


METHODS
We report on a treatment-resistant schizophrenic patient who received an add-on treatment with the low-affinity NMDA antagonist memantine because of cognitive disturbances.


RESULTS
During this treatment we observed a marked decrease of clozapine-induced weight gain. The causal relationship to memantine could be demonstrated using an on-off-on design with a significant increase of weight after discontinuation and again a substantial weight loss after re-exposition with memantine. Beside weight, also negative symptoms improved.


CONCLUSIONS
Prospective controlled trials evaluating the safety and possible positive effects of memantine on antipsychotic induced weight gain are needed.
Schaefer
M
M
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany. martin.schaefer@charite.de
Leopold
K
K
Hinzpeter
A
A
Heinz
A
A
Krebs
M
M
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D003024:Clozapine; D008559:Memantine