2025.02.20ブログ
精神薬を使っている場合、定期的な検査は必要、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
精神薬を使っている場合、定期的な検査は必要、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
こんにちは、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科専門クリニック、きもとメンタルクリニックです。
今回は、精神薬を使っている場合、定期的な検査は必要、について解説します。
どの種類の精神科薬だったとしても、継続していしようしている場合、定期的な採血や心電図は必要です。
精神科は自律神経症状のように体の症状に対し薬を使っていることがあるので、特に注意が必要です。
気が付いたら、ほんとに体の方の具合が悪くなっていた、なんていうことも起こりえます。
また循環器系に影響を及ぼす薬も多いので、心電図もめんどくさがらず、定期的に調べた方がいいでしょう。
仕事をしていない時期があったりすると職場の健康診断もやっていないことがあると思います。
医師から言ってこない時は、自分から伝えてでも検査をしてもらってください。
また体がだるい、みたいな不定愁訴の原因が身体的なところにあることもやはりあります。
心の問題だからといって、体のことをおろそかにしないようにしましょう。
血糖値が高い状態が続けば、それは倦怠感やだるさ、日中の眠気などにつながることもあり、それを精神症状だととらえて精神科薬が増えていったら本末転倒です。
当院では体の検査も定期的に行うようにしています。
精神科薬で治療継続している方は、必ず定期検査を受けるようにしてください。
Today, I will discuss why regular health checkups are necessary for those taking psychiatric medications and how they help prevent potential health complications.
1. Why Are Regular Checkups Necessary for Psychiatric Medication Users?
Regardless of the type of psychiatric medication being used, if you are on long-term treatment, regular blood tests and electrocardiograms (ECG) are essential.
Many psychiatric medications affect autonomic nervous system function and can influence the body’s overall health. Without routine monitoring, some patients may develop serious physical health issues without realizing it.
Some medications also impact cardiovascular function, making ECG testing an important preventive measure. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to check your heart health regularly to prevent unnoticed complications.
If you have been out of work or haven’t had a company health checkup for a while, make sure you schedule routine tests. If your doctor doesn’t mention them, ask for them yourself—your health is your responsibility.
2. Potential Health Risks from Psychiatric Medications
① Metabolic Issues (Blood Sugar & Cholesterol Levels)
Some medications can increase blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance or even diabetes.
Weight gain from medications can also cause high cholesterol and fatty liver disease.
Symptoms such as chronic fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, and low energy could be related to high blood sugar rather than psychiatric symptoms.
➡ If blood sugar remains high for too long, it may lead to diabetes or unnecessary increases in psychiatric medication dosage due to misdiagnosis.
✅ Recommended Tests:
Fasting blood sugar (FBS) & HbA1c (for diabetes screening)
Lipid profile (cholesterol & triglycerides)
② Cardiovascular Effects (Heart Function & Blood Pressure)
Some psychiatric drugs can prolong the QT interval (a heart rhythm abnormality) and increase the risk of sudden cardiac issues.
Medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and stimulants can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
✅ Recommended Tests:
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) (to monitor heart rhythm abnormalities)
Blood pressure monitoring (especially for those on stimulant medications or antipsychotics)
③ Liver & Kidney Function
Many psychiatric drugs are metabolized in the liver or excreted through the kidneys.
Long-term medication use can cause liver enzyme elevation or reduced kidney function, leading to toxicity buildup.
✅ Recommended Tests:
Liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT)
Kidney function tests (Creatinine, BUN, eGFR)
④ Hormonal Imbalances
Prolactin levels can increase due to certain antipsychotic medications, leading to side effects like:
Menstrual irregularities
Breast enlargement (in men and women)
Reduced libido and sexual dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction can mimic depression and should be ruled out.
✅ Recommended Tests:
Prolactin levels (if using antipsychotics)
Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
3. How Often Should You Get These Tests?
Every 3–6 months:
Blood sugar & lipid tests (if taking weight-related medications)
Liver & kidney function tests (if on long-term medication)
Every 6–12 months:
Electrocardiogram (ECG) (especially for those on heart-affecting medications)
Prolactin & thyroid function tests (if symptoms appear)
4. Summary: Take Control of Your Health While on Psychiatric Medication
✅ Regular health checkups are essential for monitoring side effects and preventing health complications while on psychiatric medication.
✅ Metabolic issues, cardiovascular risks, liver & kidney function, and hormonal balance should all be monitored routinely.
✅ Ask your doctor for tests if they are not mentioned—your health is your responsibility.
✅ Many psychiatric symptoms can be linked to physical conditions (e.g., high blood sugar causing fatigue), so don’t overlook body health.
💡 At Wako Clinic, we conduct regular physical health checkups for our psychiatric patients.
If you are on long-term psychiatric medication, make sure to schedule routine tests and protect your overall health!
