Articles Vol. 67 No. 5 25/05/2026

THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS ON WEIGHT IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS AT NATIONAL GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

Nguyen Trong Hien1,2, Nguyen Thi Hop1,2, Nguyen Thi Ai Van3,4, Nguyen Van Phi1,5,6,7, Nguyen Tuan Anh8,9
1 Department of Mental Health, China Geriatric Hospital.
2 Khoa Sức khỏe Tâm thần, Bệnh viện Lão khoa Trung ương
3 Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital.
4 Viện Sức khỏe Tâm thần, Bệnh viện Bạch Mai.
5 Department of Psychiatry, Hanoi Medical University.
6 Bộ môn Tâm thần, Trường Đại học Y Hà Nội
7 Khoa Sức khỏe Tâm thần, Bệnh viện Lão khoa Trung ương.
8 Intensive Care Department, Central Geriatric Hospita
9 Khoa Hồi sức tích cực, Bệnh viện Lão Khoa Trung Ương
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i5.5172
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Keywords
elderly, psychotropic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, weight-gain.
Abstract

Background: Psychotropic drugs, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, have been found to have a significant weight-gaining effect.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of several psychotropic drugs on the weight of elderly patients with mental disorders inpatients at the Department of Mental Health, National Geriatric Hospital.

Method: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted, including 31 inpatients at the Department of Mental Health, National Geriatric Hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. Anthropometric measurements were taken at admission, after 1 week, after 2 weeks, after 3 weeks, and after 4 weeks.

Results: The most frequently used drugs included antidepressants such as mirtazapine (51.6%) and paroxetine (22.6%). Antipsychotic drugs such as sulpiride (38.7%), quetiapine (25.8%), olanzapine (22.6%), and risperidone (16.1%) were used. The majority of patients gained less than 7% of their body weight after treatment; no patients gained more than 7% of their body weight during treatment. After two weeks, the patients' weight increased significantly, with an average increase of 0.97 kg (SD=0.8; p=0.001). Follow-up after 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in the number and proportion of patients experiencing appetite problems.

Conclusion: Elderly patients using antipsychotic drugs showed significant improvement in appetite and weight gain.

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