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Constipation

How is constipation related to schizophrenia?

Some antipsychotics cause constipation. Moreover, people with schizophrenia often have pre-existing factors that increase this risk, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, reduced fibre intake, and dehydration. Constipation can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even death. This topic assesses the risk of constipation as a side effect of antipsychotic use.

What is the evidence for constipation in people with schizophrenia?

Moderate to low quality evidence suggests the overall prevalence of constipation with clozapine use is around 30%, and around 40% in inpatient settings. Moderate to high quality evidence suggests a medium-sized effect of clozapine causing higher rates of constipation than most other antipsychotics, in particular olanzapine.

October 2020

Last updated at: 3:57 am, 15th October 2020
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

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Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.