Cardiovascular and Metabolic Adverse Reactions Associated with the Use of Antipsychotic Drugs: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The adverse drug reaction profile of antipsychotic drugs includes neurological, endocrinal anticholinergic and cardiovascular effects. The profile of each cardiovascular adverse effects, specific for each antipsychotic medication includes QT prolongation, orthostatic hypotension, myocarditis and metabolic effects, it also reduce the life expectancy of schizophrenic patients. There is a major clinical concern for the patients on long term therapy. This narrative review is focused on the cardiovascular profile of antipsychotic medications. The detailed aetiology, mechanism, monitoring and management of cardiovascular adverse effects are discussed in this review.

Keywords

• adverse drug reaction
• arrhythmia
• metabolic syndrome
• myocarditis
• neuroleptics