[Somatic side effects of psychopharmaceuticals].

Psychopharmaceutic drugs are among those most commonly prescribed by general practitioners. They include in particular antidepressants, neuroleptics/antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Their wide indication window makes it necessary that the physician be familiar with potential somatic side effects. The group of antidementia drugs, tranquilizers and anxiolytics are unlikely to be associated with relevant somatic side effects. Routine controlling of laboratory parameters and ECG performed at regular intervals are indicated in particular in patients receiving neuroleptics. In the event of severe side effects or a suspected overdose, determination of plasma concentration (therapeutic drug monitoring) is recommended.