Abstract

MUNOZ, Patricia  and  GALLARDO, Roberto. Metabolic disorders in schizophrenic patients treated with Clozapine. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2004, vol.42, n.1, pp.37-42. ISSN 0717-9227.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-92272004000100005.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs are considered to provide major advantages in treating schizophrenic patients. However, they can cause significant increases in weight, glucose, and lipid homeostasis. Obesity is an important factor in diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. Clozapine has been described as acting as an antagonistic agent of several receptors at the hypothalamic level, accentuating hyperinsulinemia and plurimetabolic syndrome, of high vascular risk in obesity. Three patients (2 women, 1 man) treated with clozapine for 5 years or more at a dosage of 300-400 mg/day were clinically monitored for their body weight, glycemia, and lipid profiles, resulting in the diagnosis of significant metabolic disorders. It is suggested that patients undergoing treatment with atypical antipsychotics should also receive adequate metabolic and nutritional evaluations.

Keywords : diabetes mellitus; clozapine; hyperlipidemia.