[Hyperlipidemia - side-effect of "Atypical" neuroleptics?]

After the introduction of the so-called 'atypical antipsychotics' some reports concerning hyperlipidemia observed in patients treated with these drugs have been published. The studies and case reports available up to now were reviewed. The available data show that hyperlipidemia particularly occurred in patients receiving clozapine, olanzapine and also quetiapine. Predominately elevated serum levels of triglycerides have been reported. The underlying pathomechanism still remains widely unclear. Since hyperlipidemia is an important symptom of the so called 'metabolic syndrome' which is often associated with severe complications like cardial and vascular diseases, more attention should be paid to hyperlipidemia as a potential side effect of antipsychotics.