title: The risks and benefits of switching antipsychotics: a case study approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Progression of metabolic illness in a patient with schizophrenia who was stabilized on an atypical antipsychotic is described using a case study framework. Risks and benefits of staying on current treatment versus switching to another agent and switching strategies are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Switching an antipsychotic with more favorable side effects may improve metabolic parameters if other weight loss strategies have failed. Switching or stopping medications too quickly may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. There is little evidence to support which is the best switching strategy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner carries a significant responsibility of discussing risks and benefits of switching and closely monitoring the patient during a switch of medications. Ensuring that the patient decides and agrees upon the treatment plan will improve the overall outcome.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA. mary.weber@ucdenver.edu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Afshin M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.forename: Mina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D013881:Thioridazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D017374:Paroxetine; D013881:Thioridazine; D000077152:Olanzapine