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Differential effect of clozapine on weight: a controlled study
J R Bustillo1, R W Buchanan, D Irish
1Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21228, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Clozapine causes significantly more weight gain in schizophrenia patients than haloperidol, but this weight gain is not linked to clinical improvement. Many patients gain substantial weight on clozapine over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic often used as a comparator.
- Weight gain is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the weight gain induced by clozapine versus haloperidol in schizophrenia patients.
- To investigate the relationship between weight gain and clinical improvement with clozapine and haloperidol treatment.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized study assessed 39 outpatients with schizophrenia.
- Patients received either clozapine or haloperidol.
- Weight and symptom changes were monitored during the study and in a 1-year follow-up for those continuing clozapine.
Main Results:
- Clozapine treatment resulted in a 7% increase in weight compared to a 1% increase with haloperidol.
- Weight gain did not correlate with improvements in positive or negative schizophrenia symptoms.
- Over a year, 58% of patients on clozapine gained at least 10% of their baseline weight.
Conclusions:
- Weight gain is a significant adverse effect of clozapine.
- This weight gain is independent of clozapine's antipsychotic efficacy.