Managing weight gain and metabolic issues in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.
The proven efficacy of second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) has led many clinicians to switch patients from a conventional antipsychotic to an SGA. However, SGAs may be associated with weight gain, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and ultimately with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of patients' individual risk factors for developing these illnesses and should carefully screen for changes in weight, body mass index, waist size, or lipid levels that could be potentially harmful and increase the risk for a more serious illness.
Henderson
David C
DC
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., USA.
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015430:Weight Gain
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents