Children and adolescents who take antipsychotic medications often experience significant side effects, including weight gain. In fact, a research study of over 300 children taking different antipsychotic medications showed that each young person gained an average of 13 pounds in less than three months. Children taking a medication called olanzapine gained an average of 19 pounds, which was the highest weight gain reported for an antipsychotic medication. In the same study, young people who took olanzapine and quetiapine experienced an increase in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Another medication, risperidone, also showed higher triglyceride levels after the 12-week study.
Children and adolescents who take antipsychotic medications often
experience significant side effects, including weight gain. In
fact, a research study of over 300 children taking different
antipsychotic medications showed that each young...
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Dr. Mark Morocco answered:Children and adolescents who take antipsychotic medications often experience significant side effects, including weight gain. In fact, a research study of over 300 children taking different antipsychotic medications showed that each young person gained an average of 13 pounds in less than three months. Children taking a medication called olanzapine gained an average of 19 pounds, which was the highest weight gain reported for an antipsychotic medication. In the same study, young people who took olanzapine and quetiapine experienced an increase in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Another medication, risperidone, also showed higher triglyceride levels after the 12-week study.