title: Efficacy of metformin for prevention of weight gain in psychiatric populations:  a review.
abstract: There is uncertainty with regard to the appropriate use of metformin for the prevention and management of second-generation antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic abnormalities. We aim to systematically review the primary literature and to provide recommendations with regard to the use of metformin in psychiatric populations prescribed second-generation antipsychotics. The authors undertook a literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO using the search terms; antipsychotic OR atypical antipsychotic AND weight AND metformin. Narrative review was undertaken without additional statistical analysis. The search provided 198 results from which 10 original research papers were identified: six randomized controlled trials and one open-label study for adults and two randomized controlled trials and one open-label study for children and adolescents. Four meta-analyses were also identified. We concluded that if weight gain occurs after second-generation antipsychotic initiation, despite lifestyle intervention, metformin should be considered. Further studies with adequate statistical power are required to determine the efficacy of metformin in those with chronic psychotic illness.
authors: Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
authors: Hannah
authors: H
authors: Newall
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Myles
authors: Philip B
authors: PB
authors: Ward
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Samaras
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Shiers
authors: Jackie
authors: J
authors: Curtis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050177:Overweight / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin