Synergistic Effects of Psychotropics Leading to Extraordinary Weight Gain

Abstract

A 22-year-old woman had significant weight gain after being on two atypical antipsychotics, an antiepileptic, and an antidepressant for 12 months, with her weight increasing from 70 kg to 160 kg, or by 90 kg, over 16 months. This case report examines the possible synergistic effects of psychotropics, particularly two atypical antipsychotics, leading to adverse side effects, particularly severe obesity, in the context of other examined pharmacological and non-pharmacologic risk factors. Psychotropic monotherapy is the advised prescribing treatment guideline. The extraordinary weight gain resulting in severe obesity in this case demonstrates just one of the many concerns for psychotropic polypharmacy from the same sub-class of psychiatric drugs leading to increased morbidity and mortality in the psychiatric population.