The effects of clozapine on levels of total cholesterol and related lipids in serum of patients with schizophrenia: a prospective study

Objective: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of clozapine treatment on levels of cholesterol and related lipids in patients with schizophrenia. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University department associated with a teaching hospital. Participants: Eight patients (6 women and 2 men) with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia consistent with DSM-IV criteria. The patients were classified as treatment-resistant and had not responded to treatment with at least 2 conventional antipsychotics. Interventions: Current antipsychotic medications were tapered and treatment with clozapine was initiated. Outcome measures: Cholesterol and serum lipid levels, as well as Brief: Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment with clozapine. Results: Clozapine treatment significantly improved the BPRS scores but did not significantly alter serum lipid levels, except triglyceride levels, which increased. Conclusion: The previously reported lower levels of cholesterol in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia cannot be attributed to the effects of clozapine administration. Further research is required to support and clarify the effects of antipsychotic drugs on lipid levels.