Weight changes with depot neuroleptic maintenance therapy

Abstract

A prospective study of schizophrenic patients prescribed injectable depot neuroleptic drugs as maintenance therapy showed a clinically significant weight gain in 55% of patients. No significant difference was shown between flupenthixol decanoate and fluphenazine decanoate, nor was a clinically meaningful relationship shown with dose, or the use of anti-parkinsonian drugs. The weight gain continued for at least 2 years following a mental state relapse. It is suggested that the monitoring of weight and giving of appropriate advice on diet are two essential in maintenance therapy of chronic schizophrenia.