Relevance of side effect monitoring and minimization

The cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed across the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, Norway and Denmark.² The survey included sociodemographic and clinical questions, the Q-LES-Q-S, and the Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale.² Eight pre-defined key side effects classified as activating (‘Shaky hands or arms,’ ‘Restlessness’ and ‘Difficulty sleeping’), sedating (‘Sleepy during the day’, ‘Feeling drugged or like a zombie’ and ‘Feeling dizzy/Fainted’) or other side effects (‘Problems enjoying sex’ and ‘Weight gain’), and additional questions related to impacts on function and QoL were included.²

The most prevalent side effects were ‘Sleepy during the day’ (83.2%), ‘Difficulty sleeping’ (74.7%), ‘Dry mouth’ (63.9%), ‘Problems enjoying sex’ (53.4%) and ‘Gaining weight’ (52.4%).²

Abbreviations:

Q-LES-Q-S=Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form; QoL=quality of life

References:

1.DiBonaventura M, Gabriel S, Duplclay L, et al. A patient perspective of the impact of medication side effects on adherence: results of a cross-sectional nationwide survey of patients with schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2012; 12: 20.

2.Tandon R, Lenderking WR, Weiss C, et al. The impact on functioning of second‑generation antipsychotic medication side effects for patients with schizophrenia: a worldwide, cross‑sectional, web‑based survey. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2020;19: 42.

3.Scott Stroup T & Gray N. Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications. World Psychiatry 2018; 17: 341–356.