Archives of Mental Health (Jan 2017)
A study of adverse drug reactions associated with antipsychotic drugs among female patients attending outpatient psychiatry department
Abstract
Background: Psychiatric illnesses are the major concern across the globe. Most often major mental illnesses are treated with psychotropic drugs. Females are relatively more susceptible to develop adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antipsychotic drugs. However, there is dearth of literature regarding pattern of ADRs among female patients attending psychiatric services. Aims: To study of adverse drug reactions associated with antipsychotic drugs among female patients attending psychiatric services. Methodology: This hospital-based prospective observational study was carried out in outpatients of the Psychiatry Department, for a period of 3 years. A total of 355 female patients who received at least one antipsychotic medication were evaluated for various parameters of ADRs by using Naranjo scale; WHO Uppsala Monitoring Centre probability scale; Modified Schumock and Thornton's Scale and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser-side effect rating scale (UKU-SERS). The suspected drugs and system organ class involved in ADRs were coded according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System and World Health Organization Adverse Reaction Terminology (WHO_ART) respectively. Results: The average age of the patients who experienced ADR was found to be 39.65 ± 16.1 years. Fifty five (15.5%) patients experienced 112 ADRs to antipsychotic drugs. Risperidone 41 (36.6%) was the most commonly implicated drug in ADR followed by Olanzapine 26 (23.2%). Weight gain 31 (27.67%) was the most commonly suspected ADR followed by akathesia 11 (9.82%). Metabolic and nutritional disorders (n=34, 30.35%) was the most common affected organ system due to ADRs. In terms of prevention of ADRs, 34 (61.81 %) suspected ADRs were probably preventable, 15 (27.27%) were not preventable and 6 (10.9%) definitely preventable. Conclusion: ADRs associated with antipsychotics drugs among female patients are not an uncommon presentation in clinical practice. This study emphasizes role of pharmacovigilance in psychiatric practice to detect early ADR so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken for patient safety.
