Atypical antipsychotics: new drugs, new challenges

Cleve Clin J Med. 2007 Aug;74(8):597-606. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.74.8.597.

Abstract

Compared with the first-generation, or "typical" antipsychotic drugs, second-generation or atypical antipsychotics cause fewer extrapyramidal (motor) problems, but they pose new challenges, as they often contribute to metabolic disturbances such as weight gain, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients taking atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for glycemic and cardiovascular risk factors and should receive treatment for such problems as they arise.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Olanzapine
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Clozapine
  • Risperidone
  • Olanzapine