Abstract
Chronic mental illnesses need prolonged use of antipsychotic treatment to maintain remission of symptoms. First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) are mostly associated with extrapyramidal side effects and dyskinetic movement disorders. The second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are commonly used, associated with metabolic side effects collectively named metabolic syndrome (MetS), including weight gain, dyslipidemia, hyper-tension, and insulin resistance. MetS increases morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular complications. Monitoring and prompt treatment are of paramount importance. Patients should be educated about lifestyle modifications. Switching medications precipitates relapse of symptoms and is not be feasible in all cases. Off-label treatment, including metformin or topiramate, can be added to minimize the side effects. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2025;55(1):e19–e23.]
Published Version
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