Pharmacological Interventions of Atypical Antipsychotics Induced Weight Gain in the Pediatric Population: A Systemic Review of Current Evidence

To systematically review studies evaluating pharmacological treatment intervention of the atypical antipsychotic induced weight gain in the pediatric population and summarize the current evidence of the pharmacological treatment. According to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the various databases Medline, PubMed, PubMed central (PMC), CINAHL, and clinicaltrial.gov. until Jan 30th, 2022 for relevant clinical studies. Medical subject heading (MeSH) terms or keywords were used, Body Weight, Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Body Weight Maintenance, Pediatric Obesity in Pediatrics, Adolescent, Child in context of Antipsychotic Agents and Drug Therapy, Therapeutics, Treatment Outcome, Early Medical Intervention. We used the PICO algorithm for our search (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design) framework. The initial search included 746 articles, nine studies were ultimately selected in the final qualitative review. We included relevant clinical reviews, case series, and randomized clinical trials that evaluated pharmacological intervention for antipsychotic-induced weight gain in the pediatric population. Non-peer-reviewed, non-human, non-English languages article was excluded. Metformin is the most studied medication for antipsychotic-induced weight gain in children. Three studies have shown that adding Metformin to the antipsychotics can significantly reduce the body weight and body mass index with mild transient side effects. Other adjunct medications like topiramate, amantadine, betahistine, or melatonin vary greatly in mitigating weight with various side effects. Lifestyle modification is the first step in dealing with AIWG, but the result is inconsistent. Avoiding the use of antipsychotic in children is preferred. Adding an adjuvant medication to the antipsychotic could prevent or mitigate their negative metabolic effect on the body weight and body mass index. Metformin has the most evidence, topiramate, betahistine, amantadine, and melatonin is possible alternatives in the pediatric patient without changing their antipsychotic medication. Other viable options show some benefits but need further clinical studies to establish efficacy and safety.

Automated summary

This study systematically reviewed and summarized existing clinical studies evaluating the pharmacological intervention for atypical antipsychotic induced weight gain in the pediatric population. The study found that metformin is the most studied medication and can significantly reduce body weight and BMI with mild side effects. Other adjunct medications have varying effects and side effects. Lifestyle modification and adding adjuvant medication are potential strategies to mitigate the negative metabolic effects of antipsychotics. Metformin has the strongest evidence, but further clinical studies are needed for other options.