Efectos adversos de antipsicóticos atípicos, diferencias según sexo

The adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs vary depending on the sex of the patients. Females have a lower mean body weight than males, thus, at pharmacokinetic level, they have a lower clearance of some antipsychotics such as, clozapine and olanzapine. Among the most common adverse effects is highlighted the increase in corrected QT interval. Metabolic risks are also greater in females, with these being more likely to increase the weight after prolonged treatments, particularly with clozapine and olanzapine. Prolactin is increased more in females than in males after antipsychotic treatment. This adverse effect is more common with amisulpride, risperidone and paliperidone. Among the extrapyramidal secondary effects, akathisia is also more common in females. Gender variability should be taken into account in the future when calculating the dose, as well as when evaluating the adverse effects after antipsychotic treatment.