Pharmacotherapy for psychotropic drug-related weight gain

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2008 Jul;46(7):15-8. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20080701-06.

Abstract

Weight gain is a significant problem for many patients taking various psychotropic medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for the treatment of obesity. Other medications known to be associated with weight loss could be used for treating obesity, although they are not FDA approved for this indication. This article briefly describes the sympathomimetic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, histamine-modulating, antidiabetic, and gastrointestinal drugs that have been found to cause weight loss and might be considered for adjunctive use in the overall management of psychotropic drug-related weight gain. However, even if such drugs are effective, all patients should receive ongoing dietary and physical activity counseling.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Drug Approval
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Histamine Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Life Style
  • Obesity* / chemically induced
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Patient Selection
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sympathomimetics / therapeutic use
  • United States
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Histamine Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Sympathomimetics