Pharmacopsychiatry 2007; 40(4): 149-151
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984391
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Memantine-associated Reversal of Clozapine-induced Weight Gain

M. Schaefer 1 , 2 , K. Leopold 1 , A. Hinzpeter 1 , A. Heinz 1 , M. Krebs 1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
  • 2Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Essen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 05.01.2007 revised 07.05.2007

accepted 21.05.2007

Publication Date:
10 August 2007 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Weight gain is a frequently observed adverse event in the treatment with atypical antipsychotics that significantly affects the patients’ physical health and treatment compliance.

Methods: We report on a treatment-resistant schizophrenic patient who received an add-on treatment with the low-affinity NMDA antagonist memantine because of cognitive disturbances.

Results: During this treatment we observed a marked decrease of clozapine-induced weight gain. The causal relationship to memantine could be demonstrated using an on-off-on design with a significant increase of weight after discontinuation and again a substantial weight loss after re-exposition with memantine. Beside weight, also negative symptoms improved.

Discussion: Prospective controlled trials evaluating the safety and possible positive effects of memantine on antipsychotic induced weight gain are needed.

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Correspondence

M. SchaeferMD 

Kliniken Essen-Mitte

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Henricistrasse 92

45136 Essen

Germany

Phone: +49/201/174 22 02

Fax: +49/201/174 22 13

Email: martin.schaefer@charite.de