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Metabolic side effects of atypical antipsychotics in children: a literature review

Valérie J Fedorowicz1, Eric Fombonne

  • 1McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada H32 1P2.

Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|September 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Atypical antipsychotics in children commonly cause weight gain and elevated prolactin. While glucose issues are rare, monitoring is crucial due to potential serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly prescribed for children.
  • Metabolic side effects are a significant concern in this population.
  • Data on these effects in pediatric patients requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize existing data on metabolic side effects of atypical antipsychotics in children.
  • To identify common and less common metabolic disturbances associated with these medications.
  • To highlight the need for careful monitoring and further research.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of original research articles.
  • Medline database searches for relevant studies.
  • Selection of 40 studies focusing on pediatric atypical antipsychotic use and metabolic side effects.

Main Results:

  • Consistent association between atypical antipsychotics and weight gain in children.
  • Moderate elevation of prolactin levels frequently observed.
  • Glucose dysregulation and dyslipidemia reported in fewer cases, often as case reports.
  • Risk of weight gain and hyperprolactinemia may be higher in younger children.
  • Metabolic changes appear potentially reversible in some instances.

Conclusions:

  • Atypical antipsychotics are linked to significant metabolic side effects in children, including weight gain and hyperprolactinemia.
  • While less common, glucose dysregulation and dyslipidemia warrant attention.
  • Initiating treatment requires careful consideration, and consistent clinical monitoring is essential.
  • Further research is needed, particularly on glucose and lipid metabolism.

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