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Atypical antipsychotic medications are clinically effective, but often induce metabolic problems and weight gain. To assess the safety and effectiveness of switching antipsychotics to reverse these adverse effects, investigators conducted a multisite, NIH- and industry-funded, randomized, controlled, 24-week study.
The 215 clinically stable patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder had moderately increased cardiovascular risk, measured by metabolic indicators and elevated body-mass index (BMI), and were taking olanzapine (average dose, 18.5 mg/day), quetiapine (average, 502 mg/day), or risperidone (average, 4.1 mg/day). The study protocol involved staying on the current medication or switching to manufacturer-supplied aripipraz…