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Body weight changes associated with psychopharmacology
Yelena Vanina1, Anna Podolskaya, Karim Sedky
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science of the University of Louisville, Kentuchy 40202, USA.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|July 4, 2002
Summary
Many psychotropic medications can alter body weight, with some causing gain and others loss. Careful monitoring of weight changes is crucial when prescribing these psychiatric drugs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Psychiatric medications are widely used for various mental health conditions.
- Body weight changes are a common and significant side effect of many psychotropic drugs.
- Understanding these weight effects is critical for patient management and treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the effects of various psychopharmaceuticals on body weight.
- To identify specific drug classes and individual medications associated with weight gain or loss.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the metabolic impact of psychiatric treatments.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review of articles and books was conducted.
- Searches focused on drug-induced changes in body weight.
- Clinical experience with psychopharmaceuticals was also incorporated.
Main Results:
- Many antipsychotic, mood-stabilizing, and antidepressant medications are linked to weight gain.
- Specific drugs like chlorpromazine, clozapine, olanzapine, amitriptyline, and mirtazapine are frequently associated with increased weight.
- Conversely, some agents including fluoxetine, topiramate, and psychostimulants may lead to weight loss.
- Mood stabilizers, particularly valproate derivatives, are also implicated in weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Psychotropic medications have diverse effects on body weight.
- Clinicians must carefully monitor patients for weight changes during treatment.
- Consideration of alternative therapies may be necessary to manage weight-related side effects.