Metformin for Treatment of Overweight Induced by Atypical Antipsychotic Medication in Young People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial -

Metformin for Treatment of Overweight Induced by Atypical Antipsychotic Medication in Young People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: JAMA Psychiatry
Specialities: Mental health and illness | Nutritional and metabolic disorders | Paediatric and neonatal medicine
Summary
Small RCT (n=60) found metformin was superior to placebo in reducing weight gain due to atypical antipsychotics, as assessed by change from baseline to week 16 BMI z scores (difference,−0.010;p =0 .003) and is well tolerated by children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
UKMi comment
An editorial suggest this research makes a significant contribution to the literature and provides clinicians with an effective approach to consider for managing weight gain in youths with autism spectrum disorder treated with atypical antipsychotics. It adds that as well as further studies of this approach, alternative strategies that warrant investigation include the coadministration of topiramate and monotherapy with ziprasidone.
Related links: Editorial