Clozapine: diabetes mellitus, weight gain, and lipid abnormalities

J Clin Psychiatry. 2001:62 Suppl 23:39-44.

Abstract

Clozapine remains the most effective agent for treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia. Recently, treatment with clozapine has been linked to a number of metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and serum lipid abnormalities. Despite the potential risks of medical morbidities, clozapine continues to have a major role in the care of treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia. This article discusses the diagnosis and significance of the above metabolic abnormalities and potential mechanisms for these abnormalities as well as recommendations for monitoring and treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus / chemically induced*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / chemically induced
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / chemically induced
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / chemically induced*
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / chemically induced
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*

Substances

  • Cholesterol
  • Clozapine