The metabolic effects of aripiprazole and pimozide in children with Tourette syndrome

This study assessed the metabolic effects of aripiprazole and pimozide in pediatric Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple motor and phonic tics. Patients receiving aripiprazole (n = 25) or pimozide (n = 25) were compared with medication-free patients (n = 25). Body mass index, glycemia, triglyceridemia, and cholesterolemia were monitored at baseline and 12 and 24 months after commencing treatment. The aripiprazole group demonstrated significant increases in cholesterolemia. The pimozide group demonstrated significant increases in glycemia. Both groups demonstrated elevations in triglyceridemia not significantly different from those in unmedicated control subjects. The effect of aripiprazole on cholesterol was apparent after 12 months, but leveled off during year 2 of treatment. Longitudinal studies are required to evaluate the full extent of glycemic alterations with pimozide. Both agents appear relatively safe for use in pediatric Tourette syndrome. These findings will help guide medication selection in patients with specific medical vulnerabilities.