CLINICAL SPECTRUM AND SEVERITY OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC-INDUCED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Psychotropic drugs are essential in the management of psychiatric disorders, yet they are frequently associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), potentially affecting compliance and treatment outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes, severity, and causality of ADRs associated with psychotropic medications in a psychiatry department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in North-West--India. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 6 months in the psychiatry outpatient and inpatient departments at JLN Medical College, Ajmer. ADRs were identified, documented, and analysed using the WHO-UMC causality scale and Hartwig’s severity scale. Results: Among 105 patients, 264 ADRs were reported. The most common ADRs included slurring of speech (35.2%), rigidity (18.1%), tremors (17.1%), and weight gain (13.3%). Antipsychotics, particularly Olanzapine (22.8%), Haloperidol (19%), and Risperidone (14.3%), were the leading offending agents. Most ADRs were mild to moderate in severity. Conclusion: Psychotropic drugs, especially antipsychotics, are associated with a wide range of ADRs. Continuous monitoring, early identification, and patient education can reduce ADR burden and improve adherence.