In a randomized placebo-controlled add-on study orlistat significantly reduced clozapine-induced constipation.

Constipation is a common and potentially fatal side effect of clozapine treatment. Another important side effect of clozapine may also be significant weight gain. Orlistat is a weight-control medication that is known to induce loose stools as a common side effect.

Orlistat in clozapine- or olanzapine-treated patients with overweight or obesity: a 16-week open-label extension phase and both phases of a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To explore long-term effects of orlistat in adult clozapine- or olanzapine-treated patients with DSM-IV-diagnosed schizophrenia and overweight or obesity who tolerate orlistat.

Method: Orlistat or placebo was added to clozapine or olanzapine in stable doses in a 16-week randomized controlled trial. Open-label orlistat was added to the antipsychotics during a 16-week extension phase for those completing the double-blind phase.

Orlistat in clozapine- or olanzapine-treated patients with overweight or obesity: a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: Undesirable metabolic effects of modern antipsychotics, especially clozapine and olanzapine, merit development of new weight-control strategies, including pharmacologic ones. We investigated the feasibility of treatment with orlistat, a weight-control drug with no central effects, for overweight/obesity in clozapine- or olanzapine-treated male and female patients.

Method: Add-on orlistat was prescribed for 16 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to patients who were receiving stable clozapine or olanzapine medication and were aged 18 to 65 years, with no compliance with nonpharmacologic programs or hypocaloric diet required.