A short term prospective study of the effects of the commonly used antipsychotic drugs on ECG parameters

Abstract

Context: Psychiatric patients have been identified as a population at risk for cardiovascular problems. Mortality rates are higher among psychiatric patients than in the general population and pharmacological treatment may produce side-effects that affect morbidity and mortality. Most of the previous studies are cross-sectional and are done without taking the base line values and they do not mention clearly the effects of antipsychotic drugs when used for a short period. Aims: To compare the effects of Olanzapine (OLZ), Risperidone (RSP), Trifluperazine (TFP) and Haloperidol (HPL) antipsychotic drugs on various ECG Parameters. Settings and Design: Short term prospective study. Materials and Methods: All the consecutive patients attending the hospital, who mandated the use of antipsychotic drugs, were recruited. A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded on Day 0, before starting the antipsychotic drug. ECGs were repeated on Days 1, 5 and 10 after starting the drug. A total of 71 patients were included (N = 71), of which 33 were in OLZ group (N = 33), 14 in the RSP group (N = 14), 13 in the TFP group (N = 13) and 11 in HPL group (N = 11). Statistical analysis used: The data was analysed using SPSS Ver. 14 software. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the ECG parameters in patients on OLZ, RSP, TFP and HPL. Conclusions: Our study shows that there are no significant changes in ECG parameters after administration of OLZ, RSP, TFP and HPL. Thus all the four drugs are equally safe in healthy adults for short-term use.

Keywords

• ECG Changes
• haloperidol
• olanzapine
• QTc
• risperidone
• trifluperazine