What metabolic issue can occur due to antipsychotic medications?

Antipsychotic medications are known to cause significant metabolic changes in some patients, leading to a condition referred to as metabolic syndrome. This syndrome encompasses a cluster of conditions that often occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Patients taking certain antipsychotics may experience weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), and hypertension, all of which are components of metabolic syndrome.

The adverse effect on metabolism is particularly pronounced with atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine and olanzapine, which have a higher propensity for causing weight gain and changes in glucose metabolism. Therefore, monitoring for these metabolic symptoms is crucial in individuals receiving antipsychotic treatment, making awareness of metabolic syndrome essential for effective management and patient care.

In contrast, the other options either do not accurately reflect the common side effects associated with these medications or present conditions that are typically not exacerbated by antipsychotic use. For example, weight loss is not a common effect and is rarely associated with antipsychotics, while improved glucose metabolism contradicts the known adverse effects of these drugs.