Cardiometabolic Risk of Antipsychotic Medications in Youth

Cardiometabolic Risk of Antipsychotic Medications in Youth JAMA Oct 28, 2009 Pg.1765-1773

Many of us, who see people with metabolic syndrome, particularly in young people, have been startled by the sharp rise in new patients who seem to have been started on antipsychotic medication. Many others who are no longer considered “youths” have similar problems.

The Cardiometabolic Syndrome (AKA METABOLIC SYNDROME, DYSMETABOLIC SYNDRONE, and SYNDROME X) is now regarded to be much more of a clinical problem than just prediabetes since the pre-atherosclerotic component is much worse and more dangerous for early death than previously thought.

The weight changes were most striking. 10% to 36% transitioned to overweight or obese within 11 weeks. These changes were not felt to be due worsening psychiatric disorders. The concern is that youths with this weight and metabolic status will accelerate the cardiometabolic syndrome and its complications. The medications involved in this study include,

Risperidone (http://www.medicinenet.com/risperidone/article.htm)

Quetiapine (Seroquel) http://www.seroquelxr.com/index.aspx?source=828&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=brandxrdtc&utm_campaign=SQLJUN09&WT.mc_id=SQL0209GOOPSDTCB&gclid=CPSUrs-_650CFRgbawodUgQ6LA

Abilify (Aripiprazole) http://www.abilify.com/

Zyprexa http://www.medicinenet.com/olanzapine/article.htm

To trade a serious psychiatric illness for another serious chronic disease is quite a decision. It is something to seriously think about.

It is looked upon as a drug that can precipitate Diabetes type 2. If you have type 1 you can also add insulin resistance and abdominal fat to your problems.

Dr. Joe