Memantine-associated Reversal of Clozapine-induced Weight Gain

Abstract

Introduction: Weight gain is a frequently observed adverse event in the treatment with atypical antipsychotics that significantly affects the patients’ physical health and treatment compliance.

Methods: We report on a treatment-resistant schizophrenic patient who received an add-on treatment with the low-affinity NMDA antagonist memantine because of cognitive disturbances.

Results: During this treatment we observed a marked decrease of clozapine-induced weight gain. The causal relationship to memantine could be demonstrated using an on-off-on design with a significant increase of weight after discontinuation and again a substantial weight loss after re-exposition with memantine. Beside weight, also negative symptoms improved.

Discussion: Prospective controlled trials evaluating the safety and possible positive effects of memantine on antipsychotic induced weight gain are needed.

References

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