Antipsychotics linked to serious adulthood diseases

- October 25, 2004

Researchers have linked antipsychotic medications like olanzapine (Zyprexa or Zydis), quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease in adulthood. The use of the newer antipsychotic drugs to treat conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia appeared to cause insulin resistance in the children taking the drugs.

Most of the 11 children included in the study gained significant weight when taking the drugs and were considered overweight or obese. Though being overweight or obese increases the risk of insulin resistance, the researchers noted the insulin resistance appeared greater than it would with just excess weight alone. Insulin resistance causes the body to improperly use insulin, building sugar up in the bloodstream that can raise the risk of developing heart problems and stroke.

The researchers are not necessarily recommending children be taken off the drugs like Zyprexa, Seroquel and Risperdal, but they do call on doctors to find the lowest possible effective dose to minimize any risk of developing insulin resistance, as well as carefully monitor children for insulin problems.