Why Do Some Antipsychotics Cause Weight Gain?

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

I am very curious as to why some antipsychotic drugs, particularly Risperdal, cause weight gain. Is it because they lower the patient's metabolism, or is it because they cause an increased appetite?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

They appear to cause insulin resistance - the same phenomenon that eventually causes diabetes. Some authorities recommend adding metformin (a diabetes medication) to reduce the risk of weight loss and development of diabetes.

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