Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.

Introduction Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type 1 as monotherapy, or as an add-on to lithium or valproate (manic or mixed episodes), and it is also used off label for acute anxiety, insomnia… It is one of the mo...

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Main Authors: P. Setién Preciados, E. Arroyo Sánchez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2023-03-01
Series:European Psychiatry
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933823021533/type/journal_article
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author P. Setién Preciados
E. Arroyo Sánchez
author_facet P. Setién Preciados
E. Arroyo Sánchez
author_sort P. Setién Preciados
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type 1 as monotherapy, or as an add-on to lithium or valproate (manic or mixed episodes), and it is also used off label for acute anxiety, insomnia… It is one of the most effective antipsychotics but concerns remain due to its significant metabolic adverse effects. Olanzapine has one of the highest rates of weight gain among all antipsychotic drugs, which challenges patient’s adherence to treatment. Objectives Review how much influence Olanzapine has on weight gain, its influence in treatment adherence and alternatives in clinical practice. Methods Presentation of a patient’s case and review of existing literature, in regards to Olanzapine and its repercussions on weight gain and the old and new alternatives available right now. Results Olanzapine is an effective antipsychotic, however, it causes secondary effects that complicate treatment, especially weight gain. In the case presented, the patient does gain weight with Olanzapine and adherence is compromised. In these cases, professionals try to look for alternatives, either to try another drug or use adjunct treatment. In this patient, a change to lithium was made. In the last few years, adjunct treatment has gained traction, like for example: metformin and topiramate. The latest discovery in this matter are opioid antagonists: single dose oral tablet Olanzapine/samidorphan. Conclusions Even though Olanzapine is one of the most effective antipsychotics and medications in mental health, its impact on patients’ weight hinders treatment continuity. The use of other already known medications and the appearance of new ones, that reduce weight gain probability, are the possible ways forward. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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spelling doaj.art-865fe950a3154e46a42e402a321b3b682023-11-17T05:07:25ZengCambridge University PressEuropean Psychiatry0924-93381778-35852023-03-0166S1014S101410.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2153Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.P. Setién Preciados0E. Arroyo Sánchez1Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, SpainPsychiatry, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain Introduction Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type 1 as monotherapy, or as an add-on to lithium or valproate (manic or mixed episodes), and it is also used off label for acute anxiety, insomnia… It is one of the most effective antipsychotics but concerns remain due to its significant metabolic adverse effects. Olanzapine has one of the highest rates of weight gain among all antipsychotic drugs, which challenges patient’s adherence to treatment. Objectives Review how much influence Olanzapine has on weight gain, its influence in treatment adherence and alternatives in clinical practice. Methods Presentation of a patient’s case and review of existing literature, in regards to Olanzapine and its repercussions on weight gain and the old and new alternatives available right now. Results Olanzapine is an effective antipsychotic, however, it causes secondary effects that complicate treatment, especially weight gain. In the case presented, the patient does gain weight with Olanzapine and adherence is compromised. In these cases, professionals try to look for alternatives, either to try another drug or use adjunct treatment. In this patient, a change to lithium was made. In the last few years, adjunct treatment has gained traction, like for example: metformin and topiramate. The latest discovery in this matter are opioid antagonists: single dose oral tablet Olanzapine/samidorphan. Conclusions Even though Olanzapine is one of the most effective antipsychotics and medications in mental health, its impact on patients’ weight hinders treatment continuity. The use of other already known medications and the appearance of new ones, that reduce weight gain probability, are the possible ways forward. Disclosure of Interest None Declaredhttps://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933823021533/type/journal_article
spellingShingle P. Setién Preciados
E. Arroyo Sánchez
Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
European Psychiatry
title Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
title_full Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
title_fullStr Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
title_full_unstemmed Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
title_short Weight gain as a secondary effect of Olanzapine, and its interference in treatment adherence: a case report.
title_sort weight gain as a secondary effect of olanzapine and its interference in treatment adherence a case report
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933823021533/type/journal_article
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