Publication:

Pattern of adverse reactions of antipsychotics in a tertiary care hospital

Background This study was undertaken to analyse the pattern of adverse drug reactions (ADR) of antipsychotics among patients attending the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care centre.

Methods Patients attending the psychiatry outpatient department who have been on treatment with one or more antipsychotics for more than 6 weeks were included in the study. Details about the prescription given in the previous appointment were collected. Various adverse effects associated with the use of antipsychotics were noted and analysed with special importance to obesity, elevated waist circumference and prolongation of QTc interval in ECG.

Results The analysis of various adverse drug reactions in the study showed that the most common CNS side effects were drowsiness and tremor. The prevalence of severe EPS like parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia and perioral tremors was very low. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 47% and 14% respectively. The mean BMI of the study population was 24.44. Among the commonly prescribed antipsychotics, prevalence of obesity and overweight was highest in those patients on clozapine. The prevalence of QTc prolongation is 22% in this study.

Conclusions The increasing use of atypical antipsychotics is associated with a different pattern of adverse drug reactions when compared to the typical drugs. Even though the prevalence of EPS is low, there is increased prevalence of metabolic side effects like obesity and diabetes mellitus.