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Weight change after an atypical antipsychotic switch
L Douglas Ried1, Bernard T Renner, Michael A Bengtson
1College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. ried@cop.ufl.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 2, 2003
Summary
Switching to olanzapine resulted in significant weight gain, while switching to risperidone led to minimal weight changes in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Consistent weight monitoring is crucial for patients on these medications.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Atypical antipsychotics are effective for schizophrenia but can cause weight gain.
- Extrapyramidal side effects are less common with atypical antipsychotics compared to other agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare weight changes in patients switching between olanzapine and risperidone.
- To identify which atypical antipsychotic causes less weight gain upon switching.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 86 patients switched between risperidone and olanzapine.
- Data on age, weight, and BMI were abstracted from automated databases.
- Patients received at least two prescriptions for 60 days before and after the switch.
Main Results:
- Patients switched to olanzapine gained an average of 2.3 kg (2.8% body weight).
- Patients switched to risperidone had an average weight change of -0.45 kg (-0.4% body weight).
- Weight and BMI changes were statistically significant for olanzapine but not for risperidone.
Conclusions:
- Concerns about weight changes when switching atypical antipsychotics are justified.
- Ongoing weight monitoring is recommended for patients on atypical antipsychotics.
- Further research is needed on the impact of weight changes on comorbid conditions.