This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the side effects of atypical antipsychotics, including weight gain, type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, QTc interval prolongation, myocarditis, sexual side effects, extrapyramidal side effects and cataract. Some recommendations about how to prevent and manage these side effects are also provided. It is concluded that atypical antipsychotics do not represent a homogeneous class, and that differences in side effects should be taken into account by clinicians when choosing an antipsychotic for an individual patient.
Keywords: Schizophrenia; atypical antipsychotics; individual treatment; side effects, treatment guidelines.