Lowering elevated serum prolactin levels to avert sexual dysfunction.8-10
Increasing the production of neurons by inducing neurogenesis.11,12
Activating the cerebral cortex to blunt the adverse effects of clozapine (such as deterioration of motivation, attention, cognition, and behavior) and increasing the activity of the dopamine D1 receptor, which is believed to be involved with cognition in schizophrenia.13
Reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin activity and hippocampal concentration of serotonin.14
Decreasing the depressive symptoms known to be associated with uncontrolled diabetes.15
Improving insulin resistance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and helping with infertility.16
Exerting multiple anti-aging effects (Table17). Metformin reduces several hallmarks of aging and may increase longevity.17
Lowering the risks of cancer, dementia, and mortality in patients with and without diabetes18 due to its anti-aging effects. Scientists are actively studying metformin’s anti-aging effects and trying to develop drugs with similar effects.
Counteracting inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, neurodegeneration, inflammation, frailty, and senescence.19
Metformin may sound like a wonder drug or panacea, but most of its multiple beneficial effects have been reported and replicated. Its therapeutic effects on obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia can prevent early mortality, but its anti-aging effects are also important and may help reduce premature mortality, which is common in psychiatric patients.20 So, the question arises: At some point, will metformin be used for persons not afflicted by diabetes or metabolic syndrome? For now, psychiatrists should continue to use it on label, but in the future, our patients may benefit from its “fringe benefits.”
