Which pair has an intermediate metabolic risk, with quetiapine having greater cholesterol risk?

Which pair has an intermediate metabolic risk, with quetiapine having greater cholesterol risk?

• A. Clozapine and Olanzapine
• B. Quetiapine and Risperidone
• C. Ziprasidone and Aripiprazole
• D. Risperidone and Paliperidone

Answer: (D)

Metabolic risk with second-generation antipsychotics sits on a spectrum. Olanzapine and clozapine are high risk for weight gain and lipid changes; ziprasidone and aripiprazole tend to show lower metabolic impact; risperidone, paliperidone, and quetiapine are generally considered to have intermediate risk. Quetiapine, in particular, is more likely to affect cholesterol levels than the other moderate-risk options. Since the question asks for a pair with intermediate metabolic risk and notes that quetiapine has greater cholesterol risk, the duo that consistently falls in the intermediate category is risperidone and paliperidone. Paliperidone is the active metabolite of risperidone, and their metabolic effects are similar, making them the best match for an intermediate-risk pair.

Metabolic risk with second-generation antipsychotics sits on a spectrum. Olanzapine and clozapine are high risk for weight gain and lipid changes; ziprasidone and aripiprazole tend to show lower metabolic impact; risperidone, paliperidone, and quetiapine are generally considered to have intermediate risk. Quetiapine, in particular, is more likely to affect cholesterol levels than the other moderate-risk options. Since the question asks for a pair with intermediate metabolic risk and notes that quetiapine has greater cholesterol risk, the duo that consistently falls in the intermediate category is risperidone and paliperidone. Paliperidone is the active metabolite of risperidone, and their metabolic effects are similar, making them the best match for an intermediate-risk pair.