The effects of clozapine on levels of total cholesterol and related lipids in serum of patients with schizophrenia: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of clozapine treatment on levels of cholesterol and related lipids in patients with schizophrenia.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University department associated with a teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight patients (6 women and 2 men) with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia consistent with DSM-IV criteria. The patients were classified as treatment-resistant and had not responded to treatment with at least 2 conventional antipsychotics.

INTERVENTIONS

Current antipsychotic medications were tapered and treatment with clozapine was initiated.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cholesterol and serum lipid levels, as well as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment with clozapine.

RESULTS

Clozapine treatment significantly improved the BPRS scores but did not significantly alter serum lipid levels, except triglyceride levels, which increased.

CONCLUSION

The previously reported lower levels of cholesterol in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia cannot be attributed to the effects of clozapine administration. Further research is required to support and clarify the effects of antipsychotic drugs on lipid levels.