Mental Health Drugs And Weight Management Flashcards
How do SSRI’s affect weight?
They initially cause less weight gain, however over time the persons weight often increases.
How do neuroleptics affect a persons weight?
They have a varying effect on Serotonin, Dopamine, Choline, Histamine and other neurotransmitter systems.
Most neuroleptic drugs are associated with weight gain, which can be up to 5kg in 10 weeks.
Weight gain is not dose specific.
With some drugs such as Olanzapine, weight gain usually plateaus at 4-5 months.
How do specific neuroleptics affect weight gain?
Ziprasidone- minimal risk.
Risperidone- medium risk.
Clozapine and Olanzipine - greater risk.
Quetiapine- data suggests that this is likely to be medium risk.
Aripiprazole- no affect on weight recorded.
What is the prevalence of weight gain amongst adolescents on antipsychotics?
It is indicated that adolescents are more susceptible to weight gain on antipsychotics.
64% of adolescents on Clozapine are considered to be obese.
56% of adolescents on other atypical antipsychotics (such as olanzapine and risperidone) are considered to be obese.
30% of adolescents on conventional antipsychotics are considered to be obese.
28% of adolescents that are not on any antipsychotic medication are considered to be obese.
How do MAOI’s affect a persons weight?
They reduce their resting metabolic rate.
They block 5 HT2 receptors in the hypothalamus, which increases the feeling of hunger - therefore eating more.
The effects vary on individual characteristics of the person.
Can stopping mental health medication reduce the risk of gaining weight?
No, eating habits are often regular behaviour of the individual
What drugs are available to help someone to lose weight?
Benzphetamine.
Reboxetine - anti depressant.
Oralistat
