Atypical antipsychotic drugs and diabetes

Abstract

The atypical antipsychotic drugs have enhanced the quality of life in many patients with schizophrenia. Their main advantage over conventional antipsychotic drugs is their propensity to cause fewer extrapyramidal adverse effects. However, there is increasing evidence that atypical antipsychotic drugs are associated with metabolic adverse effects including weight gain, new onset diabetes (both type 2 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis) and hypertriglyceridaemia. These problems are most common with lozapine. We discuss the mechanism of the association and recommendations for screening and monitoring in order that metabolic problems can be detected and treated early. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.