A Study of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients on Risperidone

Background: Novel antipsychotics are superior to conventional antipsychotics, as they significantly reduce both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and have lower risk of extra pyramidal syndrome (EPS). However, these drugs cause significant metabolic side effects. Objective: This study was carried out to assess the hospital prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic profile related to use of oral risperidone which is one of the most commonly used atypical antipsychotics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a period sample of 6 months, to study the hospital prevalence and profile of MetS in adult patients on oral risperidone. Data was collected from pharmacy dispensing records, patients’ case record files, and subsequently patients were contacted telephonically and called to participate in this study. Results: Hospital prevalence of MetS was found to be 12.1% (13 out of 107) by NCEP ATP III criteria and 14.9% (16 out of 107) by IDF criteria in patients (aged 20 to 40 years) on risperidone. Ninety one patients (85%) of the sample were found to be in Overweight category and Central Obesity was found in 82(76.6%) patients. Twenty three (21.4%) of the patients had increased triglyceride (TG) levels. Out of the 16 patients with MetS, 11(68.75%) of them had total duration of illness (TDI) of >4 years, 11(68.75%) were in 30-40 years age group, 13 (81.25%) of them had continued illness or they were in partial remission, 11 (68.75%) of them were already exposed to any antipsychotics other than risperidone, 6(37.5%) of them were having diabetes mellitus (DM) in one parents. Conclusion: This study reported the hospital prevalence of MetS as 14.9% (IDF criteria) in young adult patients on oral risperidone. The triglyceride levels and central obesity was also found to be higher in patients, who otherwise had low prevalence of MetS.

Lights and shadows of schizophrenia therapy research: Lessons from oral risperidone and olanzapine

Background: Recently, patents of several atypical antipsychotics have reached their expiration date. Aims: The purpose of the study was to highlight whether modifications of economic/scientific factors may be associated with possible changes in ongoing clinical research on antipsychotic drugs. Methods: A large systematic analysis was used to depict the time-dependent distribution of published research articles addressing the clinical properties of oral risperidone and olanzapine conventional tablets, two largely prescribed atypical antipsychotics for which the patents have already expired in most of the countries. Results: The systematic analysis indicated that the time-dependent distribution of the selected research articles followed a wave-shape pattern. A dramatic decline of primary and secondary analyses investigating the clinical effects of oral risperidone and olanzapine has occurred in the last decade, complemented by an expected strong reduction in the numbers of industrial-supported clinical studies and a smaller, but significant, decline in the amount of independent research articles. Conclusions: To date, greater involvement of independent research seems to be the only realistic chance to properly continue the investigation on the clinical properties of oral risperidone and olanzapine conventional tablets, as well as those of other off-patent antipsychotic drugs. However, the limits and potentialities of independent research in accomplishing such a demanding and enduring scientific effort should be addressed.