Updated guidance on how metformin can combat antipsychotic-induced weight gain is now available.
Researchers from Saint John of God Hospital in Dublin have published the guidance following the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II).
The authors said: “The only pharmacological instrument that has demonstrated efficacy for preventing antipsychotic-induced weight gain is metformin.”
According to the study, co-commencement with antipsychotic medications can reduce weight gain by 4.03kg.
- Reassuring new data on the long-term safety of metformin in pregnancy
- Effects of drinking when taking metformin
- Metformin may reduce delirium risk and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes
The guidance was published for co-commencement with an antipsychotic or commencement if certain criteria are met.
“This is the first published evidence-based guideline using the AGREE II framework and GRADE methods for the use of metformin to prevent antipsychotic-induced weight gain incorporating recommendations for co-commencement,” said the authors.
They added: “Implementation and evaluation of the guideline will be supported by a shared decision-making package and assessment of barriers and facilitators to implementation.”
Read more in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.
