R J Goldberg1. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Brown University, Providence RI 02903, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Atypical antipsychotics have been reported to cause significant weight gain. This study examined potential weight gain associated with the use of olanzapine or risperidone. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: Three long-term care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Dementia patients (n = 50) given olanzapine or risperidone for the management of noncognitive behavioral disturbances. MEASUREMENTS: Weight changes over a 4-month period. RESULTS: Overall, patients in both groups lost weight over a 4-month period. Four (16%) of the risperidone patients and no olanzapine patients gained more than 5 pounds. CONCLUSION: Weight change does not seem to be a significant clinical issue for older dementia patients taking low doses of atypical neuroleptics.
OBJECTIVE: Atypical antipsychotics have been reported to cause significant weight gain. This study examined potential weight gain associated with the use of olanzapine or risperidone. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: Three long-term care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Dementiapatients (n = 50) given olanzapine or risperidone for the management of noncognitive behavioral disturbances. MEASUREMENTS: Weight changes over a 4-month period. RESULTS: Overall, patients in both groups lost weight over a 4-month period. Four (16%) of the risperidonepatients and no olanzapinepatients gained more than 5 pounds. CONCLUSION: Weight change does not seem to be a significant clinical issue for older dementiapatients taking low doses of atypical neuroleptics.