Amisulpride, Aripiprazole, Clozapine, Olanzapine, Haloperidol, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Ziprasidone, Palperidone (Adverse effects)

Although most of the second generation or atypical antipsychotics reduce the risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects compared to the first generation, its use has been associated with the development of a greater weight gain and the appearance of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension (risk of cardiovascular disease) and a pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory state.

Weight gain is one of the most important side effects associated with antipsychotic treatment. It negatively affects both physical health (for example, it is associated with diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions) and the personal well-being of patients, with a reduction in compliance with treatment and the risk of recurrence of the disease as a possible consequence.

In recent years, it has been seen that the weight gain induced by antipsychotics is influenced by the presence of certain genetic variants. In this way, some patients will have a greater predisposition to gain weight during treatment with antipsychotics than others, depending on their genetics.