Weight changes with depot neuroleptic maintenance therapy

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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 essentials in maintenance therapy of chronic schizophrenia.