Cariprazine is a second-generation antipsychotic approved for treating schizophrenia, acute manic/mixed, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, and as adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). Antipsychotic treatment is often associated with metabolic alterations, including weight gain, dyslipidemia, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Aims:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize study results on the effects of cariprazine on glucose and lipid homeostasis, as well as weight, in persons living with affective disorders.
Methods:
Using the Covidence platform, we included 19 studies for the systematic review and 4 randomized controlled studies for the meta-analysis. This study is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols under protocol number 2025100044. Six meta-analyses focused on patients with bipolar disorder (BD), and six meta-analyses focused on patients with MDD, evaluating changes in weight, cholesterol, and glucose for both cariprazine 1.5 and 3 mg.
Results:
Cariprazine showed a minimal impact on the metabolic profile in both BD and MDD. Notably, weight gain was statistically significant in both doses (i.e. 1.5, 3 mg), but in most cases not clinically meaningful. Results indicate that there was no statistically significant shift relative to placebo in fasting glucose, triglycerides, or cholesterol.
Conclusions:
Results from this meta-analysis suggest that cariprazine presents a favourable metabolic profile compared to other atypical antipsychotics.
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