An antipsychotic drug called olanzapine (Zyprexa), used to treat schizophrenia, has caused side effects such as weight gain. James Roerig, Pharm.D., of the University of North Dakota in Fargo, created a study that tested how modafinil, a narcolepsy agent, can limit the weight gain that olanzapine causes. During the trial, healthy volunteers were given modafinil and olanzapine for three weeks. It was observed that volunteers who took modafinil and olanzapine experienced half the weight gain than the ones who took olanzapine with a placebo.
Dr, Roerig explains that olanzapine and other anti-psychotic drugs cause weight gain because they block the H1 histamine receptor, which eventually causes sleepiness, stimulates appetite, and increases food intake. Modafinil, on the other hand, is believed to activate the H1 histamine system and prevent blockage from olanzapine.
A case report detailed a schizophrenic patient who weighed 280 pounds. In one year, he/she lost 40 pounds when modafinil was added to olanzapine. Then when he/she stopped taking modafinil, the patient gained 30 pounds. After a while when modifinil was started again, he/she lost 10 pounds only in 6 weeks, a shorter time period.
Another study was created in order to investigate how enzymes are affected by these medications. It was found that eight volunteers out of fifty experienced increased liver enzymes. Other trends included reduced energy and protein intake.
Although these studies and trials may show trends, nothing is proved. Also, modafinil may limit weight gain due to olanzapine, but it is not FDA-approved for limiting weight gain in general.
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