Efficacy of metformin for prevention of weight gain in psychiatric populations: a review.

Abstract

There is uncertainty with regard to the appropriate use of metformin for the prevention and management of second-generation antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic abnormalities. We aim to systematically review the primary literature and to provide recommendations with regard to the use of metformin in psychiatric populations prescribed second-generation antipsychotics. The authors undertook a literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO using the search terms; antipsychotic OR atypical antipsychotic AND weight AND metformin. Narrative review was undertaken without additional statistical analysis. The search provided 198 results from which 10 original research papers were identified: six randomized controlled trials and one open-label study for adults and two randomized controlled trials and one open-label study for children and adolescents. Four meta-analyses were also identified. We concluded that if weight gain occurs after second-generation antipsychotic initiation, despite lifestyle intervention, metformin should be considered. Further studies with adequate statistical power are required to determine the efficacy of metformin in those with chronic psychotic illness.

• Authors: Hannah Newall, Nicholas Myles, Philip B Ward, Katherine Samaras, David Shiers, Jackie Curtis
• Journal: International clinical psychopharmacology (Int Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. 69-75 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1473-5857 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21979790 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Obesity Agents
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
• Antipsychotic Agents
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Metformin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Obesity Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Drug Monitoring
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Mental Disorders (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Metformin (therapeutic use)
• Overweight (chemically induced, prevention & control, psychology)
• Weight Gain (drug effects)