Antipsychotics linked to obesity/ diabetes in children
Posted By atorturedsoul on October 28, 2009
Some medications used to treat bipolar disorder are associated with weight gain. Recent studies show that antipsychotic drugs can cause dramatic weight gain in children and teens.
Most of us who have been on medications for a while are well aware of the fluctuations of weight due to medication. Children and teens tend to experience excessive weight gain when taking these types of medications and it is cause for concern.
The worry is that excessive weight gain and other metabolic changes in childhood can place kids at risk for chronic health problems as adults. Some of these medicines, collectively known as “atypical antipsychotics,” have been linked to increased blood-fat levels.
“We are very much afraid that this will lead to diabetes and metabolic syndrome,” said study author Dr. Christoph Correll, medical director of the Recognition and Prevention program at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y.
Research clearly indicated that children taking multiple antipsychotic medications have a much greater risk of becoming obese and developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
“This new study is important because it draws further attention to the safety profile of antipsychotics in young populations, and the critical need for expanding the evidence base to guide clinical decisions,” she said.
During this study, 272 participants ranging in age from 4 to 19 were given four antipsychotics that are currently being prescribed to children:
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
Between 10 percent and 36 percent became overweight or obese during the treatment period. After 11 weeks, participants gained (on average):
- 18.7 pounds on Zyprexa
- 13.4 pounds on Seroquel
- 11.7 pounds on Risperdal
- 9.7 pounds on Abilify
The control group gained less than half a pound.
The drugs had varying effects on metabolic levels. Zyprexa and Seroquel users experienced significant adverse changes in total cholesterol and trigylcerides. Risperdal use resulted in a significant increase in triglycerides. Abilify, however, appeared “metabolically neutral,” Correll said.
“Some of these kids are maintained on these medications for many years if not indefinitely, so it’s definitely a concern,” said Ronald T. Brown, dean and professor of public health at Temple University Health Sciences Center in Philadelphia. “For children who really don’t absolutely need these drugs, they need to be doing more behavioral approaches in psychotherapy.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been concerned about the safety of atypical antipsychotic medications for some time now. In 2003, they ordered manufacturers to add a warning about the risk of developing hyperglycemia and diabetes.
While doctors tend to prescribe the new atypical antipsychotic medications, a report published in The Lancet in 2008 suggests that that these “second-generation” antipsychotics may not be any better than their predecessors.
What should parents do? Drs. Christopher K. Varley and John McClellan of Seattle Children’s Hospital suggest “consideration of less risky treatment interventions and scrupulous attention to metabolic parameters in children and adolescents who receive atypical antipsychotic medications”.
Correll advises clinicians and families to “carefully weigh the risks and benefits of the medications against the risk of the illness, and to consider other pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical options. It’s also important to teach children about healthy lifestyles and to closely monitor kids’ weight, lipid levels and blood glucose”.
If you are concerned about a medication prescribed to your child, please talk to his/her doctor before discontinuing any medication. Discuss the pros and cons and weigh the benefits against the risks to make a decision that is right for your child.
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About the author
study subjects gained 18lbs in 11 weeks on zyprexa? WOW. this is why i'm fat. not the pudding. and the pies. http://bit.ly/4A3my8
study subjects gained 18lbs in 11 weeks on zyprexa? WOW. this is why i'm fat. not the pudding. and the pies. http://bit.ly/4A3my8
both my daughters take medications. the oldest, 14, one has the same dx that you do. the other, 9, has autism and cerebral palsy. i’ve seen both their weight change dramatically on different meds.
my youngest has only taken one medication in 6 years – risperdal. she is chunky. but i stay on top of it and really watch what she eats. it’s helped her in ways that have changed her life, so i’m glad she’s on it – chunky or not. fortunately also, her dosage has only been increased once in those six years. so, i’m feeling very confident that i made the right choice.
my other daughter, however, nothing seems to help. well, i take that back – geodon does help with her manic symptoms. however, she’s then just left feeling completely depressed and suicidal, despite antidepressants we’ve tried. it’s very frustrating. and painful. if i could find something that would really help her, i’d rather her be fat than suicidal….
I’ve been on and off Abilify for ten years and I do believe that the medication does cause me to gain more weight than I would normally, but I have to agree with Diane. I rather be fat and stable, than severely manic or severely depressed. I too have bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic tendencies.
If you don’t mind, can I link your blog to my blog? http://mydualities.wordpress.com
PS: Congratulations on the award from Psych Central!
Thank you!
In no way am I trying to imply that it is better to be suicidal or manic than it is to gain weight. I myself take medications that cause weight gain because I need them to keep from being suicidal. I simply wanted to provide this information to parents who may be considering placing their children on a medication that they don’t really need. (I know several personally.) I would be happy to exchange links with you!
Diane, I agree 100%. One medication made me gain 25+ pounds. (I am still trying to get rid of the last 10 pounds. When you pass 30, it isn’t easy.) I didn’t stop taking the medication until it didn’t work for me anymore because I was suicidal without it and I would rather be fat than suicidal any day without hesitation. I sincerely hope that you find a medication that works for your daughter. I get frustrated with medication and I cannot imagine how difficult it is for a parent.
Guidelines for antipsychotic medication exposure for vulnerable pediatric and adolescent patients naive to antipsychotic medication should consider more frequent (eg biannual) cardiometabolic monitoring after the first 3 months of treatment.
One of my best friend is suffering adult-onset diabetes. I am so conscious about his medicines and treatments. I am lucky to found this site. I really happy to get such important information here. Thank you!