The Apparent Effects of Ziprasidone on Plasma Lipids and Glucose

Background: We examined the effects of ziprasidone on body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Method: As part of a multicenter study examining different strategies for switching to ziprasidone from other antipsychotics, we evaluated weight and serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride measurements at baseline and following 6 weeks on ziprasidone treatment in 37 patients at our site.

Results: Short-term treatment with ziprasidone appeared to lead to significant reduction in serum cholesterol (p< .001) and triglyceride levels (p = .018) independent of changes in BMI. Ziprasidone treatment appeared to have no significant effect on BMI or glucose level, perhaps due to the small number of subjects.

Conclusion: Ziprasidone appears to independently lead to a lowering of serum lipid levels.