PHARMACOLOGICAL ADD-ON TREATMENTS IN MANAGING ANTIPSYCHOTIC-INDUCED WEIGHT GAIN

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most common antipsychotic (AP) related adverse drug reactions is weight gain, with a large proportion of patients started on AP even from the onset of schizophrenia, ending up gaining considerable weight. Aim: The study was designed to research current evidence for reducing weight gain through pharmacological supplementation or other practical interventions, in patients treated with APs. Method: A review of the published works found on MEDLINE and PubMed from 2015 to 2019 was done, concentrating mostly on research that specifically examined changes in body weight in individuals taking AP medications along with various pharmaceutical supplements. There were 14 major eligible articles found and examined. We have concentrated on many meta-analyses that evaluated various pharmacological classes, including appetite suppressants, anti-obesity medications, anti-diabetics, gastrointestinal medicines, and anticonvulsants, in avoiding or lowering weight gain in patients receiving AP. Conclusions: Maintaining a balanced weight has a major impact on the patient’s quality of life. In addition to having a detrimental effect on the patient's physical and mental health, weight increase makes it more challenging for them to adhere to their treatment schedule. Antipsychotics can cause weight gain, however, there are numerous effective treatments for this condition. Given that they are both well tolerated in the short term, we found topiramate and metformin to be the most effective among them when compared to a placebo. To advance this topic, larger and more comprehensive investigations are required.