Lack of effect of stimulant combination with second-generation antipsychotics on weight gain, metabolic changes, prolactin levels, and sedation in youth with clinically relevant aggression or oppositionality.

Background: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are associated with weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, sedation/sleep disturbance, and prolactin abnormalities, especially in youths. Although stimulants have opposing dopamine receptor and adverse effects, it is unclear whether stimulant co-treatment counteracts the therapeutic or side effects of antipsychotics.

Methods: This was a naturalistic cohort study including 153 antipsychotic trials in youths aged 4-19 (mean, 11.

Recognizing and monitoring adverse events of second-generation antipsychotics in children and adolescents.

Although second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are used increasingly in children and adolescents, data on the effectiveness and safety in pediatric populations are still sparse. Much of the safety information is derived from studies conducted in adults. This derivation is problematic because children and adolescents are exposed to SGAs during a phase of unparalleled physical and psychologic development that can affect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug actions, efficacy, and side-effect patterns.

A prospective study of hyperprolactinemia in children and adolescents treated with atypical antipsychotic agents.

Objective: Few studies have prospectively compared the change of prolactin levels in children and adolescents associated with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. In our study, we present preliminary data of an ongoing study, which compares changes in prolactin levels in children and adolescents after treatment to risperidone versus olanzapine versus quetiapine. We hypothesized: (1) risperidone would be associated with hyperprolactinemia most frequently, and (2) postpubertal females may be at higher risk of prolactin elevation and associated adverse effects.