Olanzapine

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Terms modified by Olanzapine

  • olanzapine group
  • olanzapine treatment

  • Selected Abstracts


    Novel antipsychotics in bipolar and schizoaffective mania

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2004
    G. J. R. Mensink
    Objective:, Novel antipsychotics are increasingly used in the treatment of bipolar and schizoaffective mania. This paper presents an overview of the controlled studies in this field. Method:, Using cross-references, a computerized search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE psychiatry covering the period 1990,2002. Results:, Olanzapine and risperidone, added to mood stabilizers, and olanzapine as monotherapy enjoy the most evidential support in terms of efficacy and side-effect profile for their use in acute bipolar mania. The use of modern antipsychotics in bipolar prophylaxis and in both the short- and long-term treatment of schizomania has not been widely studied yet. Conclusion:, More controlled trials are still needed comparing modern antipsychotics as monotherapy and adjunctive to mood stabilizers with conventional antipsychotics, lithium, anticonvulsants and with each other in short-term and, especially, maintenance treatment of (schizo)mania. Partly based on controlled studies, olanzapine, risperidone and other modern antipsychotics could become preferable for these indications. [source]


    Comparative study of sexuality-related characteristics in young adults with schizophrenia treated with novel neuroleptics and in normal young adults

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2002
    P. Fortier
    This study compared characteristics related to sexual history, sexual activities, sexual functioning and psychological tendencies associated with sexuality in 45 young adults with schizophrenia treated with novel neuroleptics and 61 control young adults. A smaller proportion of young adults with schizophrenia currently had a sexual partner or had ever engaged in sexual relations. They also had sexual relations and sexual desires less often. Whether affected by schizophrenia or not, a smaller proportion of women had ever masturbated. They felt less sexual desire and desired sexual relations less often. Compared to controls, a higher proportion of men with schizophrenia treated with Risperidone or Olanzapine had at least one sexual dysfunction, lacked sexual desire and reported problems with sexual arousal and ejaculation. Women with schizophrenia were more likely to report problems with sexual arousal and galactorrhea. Finally, young adults with schizophrenia develop more negative psychological tendencies associated with sexuality than were normal young adults. Sexual problems are highly prevalent among young adults with schizophrenia. Sexuality should occupy the space it deserves within psychosocial rehabilitation programs and the treatment of schizophrenia. [source]


    Olanzapine in adolescents with schizophrenia who manifest suicidal behaviour

    EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2008
    Andrea De Giacomo
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Plasma Concentrations of Risperidone and Olanzapine during Coadministration with Oxcarbazepine

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2005
    Maria Rosaria Muscatello
    Summary:,Purpose: Oxcarbazepine (OZC) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) that also may be used as a mood stabilizer. Unlike carbamazepine (CBZ), which is an inducer of the cytochrome P-450 isoforms and may accelerate the elimination of several therapeutic agents, OXC seems to have only a modest inducing action. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a treatment with OXC on plasma concentrations of the new antipsychotics risperidone and olanzapine. Methods: OXC, at a dosage of 900,1,200 mg/day, was administered for 5 consecutive weeks to 25 outpatients, 10 men and 15 women, aged 25 to 64 years, with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. Twelve patients were stabilized on risperidone therapy (2,6 mg/day) and 13 on olanzapine (5,20 mg/day). Steady-state plasma concentrations of risperidone and its active metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-risperidone) and olanzapine were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) before addition of OXC and after 5 weeks from the start of adjunctive treatment. Results: OXC caused only minimal and no significant changes in the mean plasma levels of risperidone (from 5.6 ± 3.6 ng/ml at baseline to 4.8 ± 2.6 ng/ml at week 5), 9-OH-risperidone (from 23.6 ± 7.5 to 24.7 ± 7.4 ng/ml), and olanzapine (from 26.5 ± 5.7 ng/ml at baseline to 27.8 ± 5.1 ng/ml). OXC coadministration with either risperidone or olanzapine was well tolerated. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that OXC does not affect the elimination of risperidone and olanzapine, thus confirming its weak inducing effect on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. [source]


    Olanzapine in the Treatment of Refractory Migraine and Chronic Daily Headache

    HEADACHE, Issue 6 2002
    Stephen D. Silberstein MD
    Background.,Olanzapine, a thienobenzodiazepine, is a new "atypical" antipsychotic drug. Olanzapine's pharmacologic properties suggest it would be effective for headaches, and its propensity for inducing acute extrapyramidal reactions or tardive dyskinesia is relatively low. We thus decided to assess the value of olanzapine in the treatment of chronic refractory headache. Methods.,We reviewed the records of 50 patients with refractory headache who were treated with olanzapine for at least 3 months. All previously had failed treatment with at least four preventative medications. The daily dose of olanzapine varied from 2.5 to 35 mg; most patients (n = 19) received 5 mg or 10 mg (n = 17) a day. Results.,Treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in headache days relative to baseline, from 27.5 ± 4.9 before treatment to 21.1±10.7 after treatment (P < .001, Student t test). The difference in headache severity (0 to 10 scale) before treatment (8.7±1.6) and after treatment (2.2 ± 2.1) was also statistically significant (P < .001). Conclusion.,Olanzapine may be effective for patients with refractory headache, including those who have failed a number of other prophylactic agents. Olanzapine should receive particular consideration for patients with refractory headache who have mania, bipolar disorder, or psychotic depression or whose headaches previously responded to other neuroleptic medications. [source]


    Olanzapine as an Abortive Agent for Cluster Headache

    HEADACHE, Issue 8 2001
    Todd D. Rozen MD
    Objective.,To evaluate olanzapine as a cluster headache abortive agent in an open-label trial. Background.,Cluster headache is the most painful headache syndrome known. There are very few recognized abortive therapies for cluster headache and fewer for patients who have contraindications to vasoconstrictive drugs. Methods.,Olanzapine was given as an abortive agent to five patients with cluster headache in an open-label trial. The initial olanzapine dose was 5 mg, and the dose was increased to 10 mg if there was no pain relief. The dosage was decreased to 2.5 mg if the 5-mg dose was effective but caused adverse effects. To be included in the study, each patient had to treat at least two attacks with either an effective dose or the highest tolerated dose. Results.,Five patients completed the investigation (four men, one woman; four with chronic cluster, one with episodic cluster). Olanzapine reduced cluster pain by at least 80% in four of five patients, and two patients became headache-free after taking the drug. Olanzapine typically alleviated pain within 20 minutes after oral dosing and treatment response was consistent across multiple treated attacks. The only adverse event was sleepiness. Conclusions.,Olanzapine appears to be a good abortive agent for cluster headache. It alleviates pain quickly and has a consistent response across multiple treated attacks. It appears to work in both episodic and chronic cluster headache. [source]


    Olanzapine monotherapy for acute depression in patients with bipolar I or II disorder: results of an 8-week open label trial

    HUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 1 2010
    William V. Bobo
    Abstract We evaluated the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of olanzapine monotherapy in 20 adult patients with bipolar I or II disorder, depressed phase. Patients received open-label olanzapine monotherapy (mean modal dose, 15,mg/day) for 8 weeks. Assessments of psychopathology (Montgomery,Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS], Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology [QIDS-SR-16], Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS]), clinical global state (Clinical Global Impressions [CGI] scale), and safety/tolerability were performed at baseline, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Seventeen patients (85.0%) completed the study. Improvement in MADRS total scores was observed after the first week of treatment, and at all remaining follow-up time points (p,,,0.005). Parallel improvement in QIDS-SR-16 (p,<,0.001) and CGI-Severity (p,<,0.001) was observed between baseline and study endpoint. Nine (45%) subjects achieved positive treatment response, eight of whom (40%) also achieved symptom remission. There were significant increases in weight (+3.2,kg, p,=,0.001) and body mass index (+1.1,kg/m2, p,=,0.001), but not fasting glucose or lipids, with the exception of reduced triglyceride levels in the overall sample, and reduced HDL cholesterol in females. Olanzapine may be an effective, well-tolerated option for treating acute non-psychotic depression across a variety of bipolar disorder subtypes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Retrospective database analysis on the effectiveness of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs in an outpatient clinic setting

    HUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 8 2007
    Cengiz Akkaya
    Abstract Objective To report the outcomes of a retrospective database analysis to compare the effectiveness of atypical and typical antipsychotic drugs. Methods Medical records of patients admitted to the psychiatry outpatient clinic between January 1998 and October 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Data obtained from patient records were noted on a special form assessing four aspects of the treatment history: socio-demographic features, disease characteristics, initial treatment at the time of admission, and course of treatment. Patient groups (typical/atypical and Risperidone/Haloperidol/Olanzapine) were compared for time to all-cause medication discontinuation and rate of discontinuation. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of treatment between patients using atypical (n,=,150) and typical (n,=,124) antipsychotics. The duration of treatment was significantly longer in patients on Haloperidol (n,=,91) compared with those on Risperidone (n,=,63). Rates of discontinuation over 18 months were 59.3% for patients on atypical antipsychotics and 57.3% for those on typical antipsychotics, and 68.3% for patients on Risperidone, 51.6% for patients on Haloperidol and 54.3% for patients on Olanzapine. Conclusion Despite our hypothesis patients with chronic schizophrenia discontinued their atypical and typical antipsychotics, at a high rate with no significant difference indicating substantial limitations in the effectiveness of these drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Glucuronidation of olanzapine by cDNA-expressed human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and human liver microsomes

    HUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 5 2002
    Kristian Linnet
    Abstract Olanzapine is a widely used, newer antipsychotic agent, which is metabolized by various pathways: hydroxylation and N -demethylation by cytochrome P450, N -oxidation by flavin monooxygenase and direct glucuronidation. In vivo studies have pointed towards the latter pathway as being of major importance. Accordingly, the glucuronidation reaction was studied in vitro using cDNA-expressed human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes and a pooled human liver microsomal preparation (HLM). Glucuronidated olanzapine was determined by HPLC after acid or enzymatic hydrolysis. The following UGT-isoenzymes were screened for their ability to glucuronidate olanzapine: 1A1, 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9, 2B7 and 2B15. Only UGT1A4 was able to glucuronidate olanzapine obeying saturation kinetics. The Km value was 227,,mol/l (SE 43), i.e. of the same order of magnitude as for other psychotropic drugs, and the Vmax value was 2370,pmol/(min,mg) (SE 170). Glucuronidation was also mediated by the HLM preparation, but a saturation level was not reached. The olanzapine glucuronidation reaction was inhibited by several drugs known as substrates for UGT1A4, e.g. amitriptyline, trifluoperazine and lamotrigine. Thus, competition for glucuronidation by UGT1A4 represents a possibility for drug,drug interactions in subjects receiving several of these psychotropic drugs at the same time. Whether such possible interactions are of any clinical importance may await further studies in patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Cognitive toxicity of pharmacotherapeutic agents used in social anxiety disorder

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 7 2009
    I. Hindmarch
    Summary Objective:, To compare cognitive impairment of medications used in social anxiety disorder (SAD). Methods:, Data from peer-reviewed publications (1975,2007) of controlled, crossover design, pharmacodynamic studies on SAD medications in healthy volunteers were analysed. The number of objective psychometrics for each drug/dose level at all time points after dosing, and of instances of statistically significant impairment of cognitive function, enabled calculation of drug-induced cognitive impairment. The magnitude of impairment between drugs was compared using proportional impairment ratios (PIRs). Results:, Olanzapine, oxazepam, lorazepam and mianserin had twice the average cognitive toxicity of other treatments. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) impaired cognition to a lesser extent than other pharmacological groupings. There was extensive intra-class variation: fluvoxamine (PIR = 0.08) possessed little detrimental cognitive activity, whereas sertraline (PIR = 5.33) caused impairment over five times the SSRI group average. Benzodiazepines caused noticeable cognitive impairment. Conclusions:, Substantial differences exist, both between and within therapeutic classes, in the behavioural toxicity of medications used for SAD. [source]


    Olanzapine: interpreting the label change

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2007
    L. Citrome MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Schizophrenia, Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) and number needed to treat: how can CATIE inform clinicians?

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2006
    L. CITROME
    Summary The schizophrenia medication study conducted as part of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) provided a large quantity of data. However, placing these data into a clinically meaningful context for the individual practitioner has been challenging. Effectiveness and safety outcome data were extracted from the three principal publications that documented the results of phases 1 and 2 of the CATIE schizophrenia study. Number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) were calculated from the categorical results, together with their confidence intervals. Olanzapine and clozapine demonstrated advantages over comparators in terms of all-cause discontinuation, largely driven by efficacy advantages. NNT for olanzapine compared with perphenazine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone ranged from 5.5 to 10.1 in phase 1. NNT for clozapine compared with risperidone or quetiapine was approximately 3 in phase 2. There were marked differences in association with weight gain and metabolic effects, with olanzapine demonstrating a NNH ranging from 12.4 to 17.7 in terms of discontinuation of treatment in phase 1 because of these effects. Results from phase 2 reflect phase 1 in this regard, and demonstrated an advantage for ziprasidone in terms of discontinuation because of weight gain or metabolic effects, with NNT ranging from 10.6 to 20.8. However, these notable differences in association with weight gain and metabolic effects did not seem to drive the differences in overall time to all-cause discontinuation. NNT and NNH can help place the wide array of CATIE results into clinical context, and permits quantification of the differences observed between the antipsychotics that were tested. [source]


    Olanzapine does not enhance cognition in non-agitated and non-psychotic patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 11 2005
    John Kennedy
    Abstract Objective This was an exploratory study of olanzapine as potential treatment for improvement in cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease without prominent psychobehavioral symptoms. Methods Non-psychotic/non-agitated patients (n,=,268) with Alzheimer's disease, who had baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of 14,26 were randomized to treatment with olanzapine (2.5 to 7.5,mg/d) or placebo for 26 weeks. The primary objectives were to determine if treatment with olanzapine improved cognition as indexed by the Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale for Cognition (ADAS-Cog) and the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change (CIBIC) after 26 weeks of therapy. Results Patients treated with olanzapine vs placebo experienced significant worsening ADAS-Cog scores at weeks 12 (p,=,0.03) and 26 (p,=,0.004). Changes in CIBIC scores were not significantly different between treatment groups at either assessment. A post hoc analysis revealed that olanzapine-treated patients with more cognitive impairment at baseline (MMSE scores of 14,18) (n,=,35) experienced significantly greater deterioration in ADAS-Cog performance than patients in the placebo group (n,=,24; p,<,0.001); whereas in patients with less cognitive impairment (n,=,78, baseline MMSE scores of 23,26) between-group ADAS-Cog changes were not significant. Conclusions In this 26-week study non-psychotic/non-agitated patients with Alzheimer's disease treated with olanzapine experienced significant worsening of cognition as compared to placebo. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Olanzapine versus placebo in the treatment of psychosis with or without associated behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimer's disease

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2004
    Peter Paul De Deyn
    Abstract Objectives Psychotic symptoms and behavioral disturbances are a concern in the care of elderly patients with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of olanzapine versus placebo in patients with psychotic symptoms associated with AD in long-term or continuing-care settings. Methods Patients (n,=,652) with AD and delusions or hallucinations were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of double-blind treatment with placebo or fixed-dose olanzapine (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5,mg/day). Results Mean age was 76.6±10.4 years. Repeated-measures analysis showed significant improvement from baseline in NPI/NH Psychosis Total scores (sum of Delusions, Hallucinations items,primary efficacy measure) in all five treatment groups (p<0.001), but no pairwise treatment differences were seen at the 10-week endpoint. However, under LOCF analysis, improvement in the 7.5,mg olanzapine group (,6.2,±,4.9) was significantly greater than with placebo (,5.0,±,6.1, p,=,0.008), while endpoint CGI-C scores showed the greatest improvement in the Olz,2.5 olanzapine group (2.8,±,1.4, p,=,0.030) relative to placebo (3.2,±,1.4). There were significant overall treatment-group differences in increased weight, anorexia, and urinary incontinence, with olanzapine showing numerically higher incidences. However, neither the incidence of any other individual events, including extrapyramidal symptoms, nor of total adverse events occurred with significantly higher frequency in any olanzapine group relative to placebo. No clinically relevant significant changes were seen across groups in cognition or any other vital sign or laboratory measure, including glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol. Conclusions While 1.0,mg olanzapine did not show significant differences from placebo, the 2.5,mg dose was a reasonable starting dose. Olanzapine at 7.5,mg/day significantly decreased psychosis and overall behavioral disturbances (NPI/NH, BPRS) and was well tolerated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Olanzapine associated weight gain, Hyperglycemia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: case report

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2002
    Rhonda Malyuk
    Abstract We describe here a case of olanzapine associated weight gain, hyperglycemia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a 64 year-old woman with a significant medical history. Eighteen weeks after initiating olanzapine, Mrs X lost glycemic control, exhibited signs and symptoms consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome and gained 8.9 kg. We suggest that utilization of olanzapine in the less medically stable geriatric patient be implemented with vigilant monitoring for such complications mentioned above. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Effects of antipsychotic medication on muscarinic M1 receptor mRNA expression in the rat brain

    JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008
    Mei Han
    Abstract Alterations in muscarinic M1 receptor protein and mRNA expression have been revealed in post-mortem brains of schizophrenia patients. Most patients had been treated with antipsychotics, so medication effects cannot be excluded as a possible explanation for these results. With in situ hybridization, this study investigated M1 receptor mRNA expression in rats treated with the typical antipsychotic haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg/day) and the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine (1.5 mg/kg/day) and aripiprazole (2.25 mg/kg/day) for 1 or 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, haloperidol significantly increased (,13,21%, P < 0.05) M1 mRNA expression in the CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus after both 1 and 12 weeks of treatment, and it also increased (,17%, P < 0.01) M1 mRNA expression in the substantia nigra compacta after 1 week of treatment. Olanzapine significantly increased (14,22%, P < 0.05) M1 mRNA expression in the hippocampus (CA1, CA2, and CA3) and substantia nigra compacta after 12 weeks of treatment, but not after 1 week. Aripiprazole significantly increased (17%, P < 0.01) M1 mRNA expression in the hippocampus (CA1) after both 1 and 12 week treatments and increased (12%, P < 0.05) M1 mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens after 1 week of treatment. Despite their different affinities for muscarinic M1 receptors, all three antipsychotic medications induced a similar trend of change in M1 mRNA expression in selected brain regions. These data suggest that the decreased M1 receptor protein and mRNA expression observed in schizophrenia patients is unlikely to be a consequence of drug treatments and implicates muscarinic M1 receptors in the pharmacotherapy of the disease. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Exploring the risk of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia among ambulatory users of atypical antipsychotics: a population-based comparison of risperidone and olanzapine,

    PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 6 2005
    Jocelyne Moisan PhD
    Abstract Purpose To compare the incidence rates of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in ambulatory first-time users of risperidone and olanzapine. Methods The database for the Prescription Drug Insurance Plan in the province of Quebec was used as the data source for a population-based cohort study. Denominalized data were extracted for all ambulatory patients who first received an atypical antipsychotic between 1 January 1997 and 31 August 1999. Eligible patients were categorized as taking: no antidiabetic medication; no lipid reducing medication; neither type of medication. Those who started to use an outcome drug (an antidiabetic or lipid-lowering medication) before the end of the follow-up period (31 August 2000) were considered to have developed the corresponding outcome disease. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) (and 95% confidence intervals) for initiating antihyperglycemic or lipid-lowering drug treatment, or both were calculated. Outcomes on risperidone were compared to those on olanzapine. Results A total of 19,582 eligible patients were included in the analysis. Relative to risperidone, olanzapine was associated with a higher risk of initiating a pharmacologic treatment for diabetes [IRR: 1.33 (1.03,1.74)], dyslipidemia [IRR: 1.49 (1.22,1.83)], or either condition [1.47 (1.23,1.76)]. Conclusions Olanzapine seems to be associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes and/or dyslipidemia than risperidone. Further prospective studies are needed to rigorously assess the safety of olanzapine. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Variations in prescribing atypical antipsychotic drugs in primary care: cross-sectional study

    PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 4 2002
    Darren M. Ashcroft
    Abstract Background Side-effects from conventional antipsychotic drugs, in particular extrapyramidal side-effects, limit their use for some patients, lead to non-compliance and may adversely affect the quality of life of others. Newer, more expensive, ,atypical' antipsychotics have been developed in attempts to address these problems, although debate about the most appropriate role for these medications remains. Objectives To examine variations in prescribing of the ,atypical' antipsychotics in primary care, over a 5-year period. Setting All 13 health authorities within the West Midlands region. Method Cross-sectional analysis of prescribing analysis and cost (PACT) data for atypical antipsychotic drugs (amisulpride, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, sertindole, and zotepine) was performed using one-way analysis of variance. To test whether the differences reflected variation in local population need, the prescribing data were adjusted using Mental Illness Needs Index scores. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the overall levels of prescribing and local population need. Results The total volume of prescribing of atypical antipsychotic drugs in primary care increased nearly six-fold from 1996/97 to 2000/01 in the West Midlands region. Olanzapine was the most commonly prescribed drug during 1999/2000, accounting for 45% of defined daily doses, while risperidone accounted for 38% of the total. In 1996/97, a four-fold variation in rates of atypical antipsychotic prescribing between health authorities was found, compared with a three-fold variation in 2000/01, after adjusting for measures of local population need. Conclusions There has been a substantial increase in the prescription of atypical antipsychotics in primary care over the last 5 years, but the rate of increase has varied widely between health authorities. Further studies are needed to determine the factors that have led to these differences in uptake, and the likely impact of national guidance on future prescribing patterns. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Comparison of Olanzapine to Risperidone in Substance-Abusing Individuals with Schizophrenia

    THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 4 2007
    Evaristo Akerele MD
    A 14-week double blind study compared the efficacy of olanzapine to risperidone in reducing marijuana/cocaine craving and use in individuals with schizophrenia. The study consisted of three phases: a two-week assessment phase, a two-week cross-taper phase onto olanzapine/risperidone, and a ten-week period of maintenance on olanzapine/risperidone. The proportion of cocaine-positive urines decreases over time for both groups with a trend for a greater reduction for the olanzapine group compared to risperidone group. In the last six weeks, marijuana craving was more likely for the risperidone group compared to the olanzapine group, although there was no group difference in the proportion of negative marijuana urines. The data suggest some potential for the utility of olanzapine for the treatment of cocaine dependence in individuals with schizophrenia. [source]


    Effects of 4-week Treatment with Lithium and Olanzapine on Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 and Phosphorylated Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-binding Protein in the Sub-regions of the Hippocampus

    BASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
    Michael D. Hammonds
    It has been suggested that up-regulation of neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) may underlie these neuroplastic actions of the drug. Olanzapine, an atypical anti-psychotic drug, has been shown to be an effective mood stabilizer. Olanzapine also has neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions, and these actions may underlie the efficacy of the drug for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, the molecular mechanism by which the drug produces the neuroplastic actions is poorly understood. To understand a common molecular mechanism underlying the neuroplastic actions of lithium and olanzapine, we assessed the effect of 4-week lithium and olanzapine treatment on the levels of BDNF, Bcl-2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor involved in expression of BDNF and Bcl-2, in the dentate gyrus and hippocampal area CA1. Our results show that 4-week treatment with both olanzapine and lithium increases the levels of Bcl-2 and CREB in the dentate gyrus and hippocampal area CA1. Four-week lithium treatment up-regulates BDNF in the dentate gyrus, and 4-week olanzapine treatment marginally did so. Neither drug altered BDNF levels in area CA1. These results suggest that the up-regulation of Bcl-2 and CREB may underlie the neuroplastic actions of olanzapine and lithium. [source]


    Assessment of treatment response in mania: commentary and new findings

    BIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 2 2003
    Ross J Baldessarini
    Background:, Assessment of therapeutic interventions in bipolar disorder is complicated by rapid, complex clinical changes, high placebo-response rates, and varying times to specific levels of clinical recovery that may not be adequately reflected in averaged rating-scale scores particularly in acute mania, calling for improved methods to evaluate treatment responses. Chengappa et al. (1) propose operational criteria for specific outcomes based on rating-scale data from two placebo-controlled trials of olanzapine in mania. Methods:, These trials and other recent research were considered in commenting on the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of experimental therapeutic trials in mania and to optimize olanzapine versus placebo contrasts by systematically varying end-point criteria for mania (YMRS) and depression (HDRS) ratings. Results:, Olanzapine versus placebo responses were optimally separated at scores of 10 for final paired mania and depression ratings, or 5 for each rating scale considered separately. Conclusions:, Use of empirically determined end-points derived from standard rating scales used in experimental therapeutics research in mood disorders can improve both outcome-assessment and separation of active treatment from placebo responses in acute mania. [source]


    Olanzapine versus Droperidol for the Treatment of Primary Headache in the Emergency Department

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2008
    Chandler H. Hill MD
    Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to determine if there is a difference in pain relief or frequency and severity of side effects in emergency department (ED) patients with primary headache treated with either intramuscular (IM) olanzapine or IM droperidol. Methods:, This was a prospective, randomized nonblinded clinical trial of adult ED patients undergoing treatment for suspected primary headache. Consenting patients were randomized to receive either droperidol 5 mg IM or olanzapine 10 mg IM. Prior to receiving treatment, patients were asked to complete a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) describing their pain and a 4-point verbal rating scale (VRS) describing their pain as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Patients also completed a 100-mm VAS describing their level of nausea. Pain and nausea measurements were repeated 30 and 60 minutes after medication administration. Patients also completed the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS) 30 and 60 minutes after medication administration. Descriptive statistics were used as appropriate. Pain relief was compared both in terms of the decrease in VAS scores and in the proportion of patients who reported moderate or severe pain whose report later changed to mild or no pain. Results:, One-hundred patients were enrolled; 13 were withdrawn before administration of the study medication, 8 in the droperidol group and 5 in the olanzapine group, leaving 87 patients for analysis. Forty-two patients received droperidol and 45 received olanzapine. In the droperidol group, 35/40 (87.5%) patients who had reported moderate or severe pain at baseline reported mild or no pain at 60 minutes. In the olanzapine group, 38/44 (86.4%) reported this change (p = 0.89). The mean percent change from baseline VAS pain score at 60 minutes was ,37% (95% CI = ,84% to 11%) for droperidol and ,37% (95% CI = ,64% to 10%) for olanzapine (p = 0.30). The mean percent change from baseline for the VAS nausea score was ,59% (95% CI = ,70% to ,47%) for droperidol and ,64% (95% CI = ,77% to ,51%) for olanzapine (p = 0.83). There was no difference in any report of akathisia by the BAS between the groups (p = 0.63). Conclusions:, Both olanzapine and droperidol are effective treatments for primary headaches in the ED. No significant differences were found between the medications in terms of pain relief, antiemetic effect, or akathisia. Olanzapine may be used to treat primary headache and it is an effective alternative to droperidol. [source]


    The subjective experience of taking antipsychotic medication: a content analysis of Internet data

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2009
    J. Moncrieff
    Objective:, We explored the subjective effects associated with olanzapine, risperidone and older antipsychotics. Method:, We conducted a content analysis of an Internet database of comments about prescribed medications. Results:, We analysed 223 comments on risperidone, 170 on olanzapine and 46 relating to three older antipsychotics. The predominant subjective effects produced by all drugs consisted of sedation, cognitive impairment and emotional flattening or indifference. Connections appeared between these effects and Parkinsonian-like symptoms with the older drugs, sexual impairment with risperidone and metabolic effects with olanzapine. The experience of akathisia was frequently linked to suicidal thoughts. Some respondents described how the drugs' subjective effects helped to reduce symptoms of mania, psychosis and anxiety. Conclusion:, The generalisability of Internet data is uncertain. However, the data suggest that adverse subjective effects play a central role in the experience of taking antipsychotic drugs and may be related to the drugs' desired benefits. [source]


    Weight gain in bipolar disorder: pharmacological treatment as a contributing factor

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2008
    C. Torrent
    Objective:, The aim of this paper was to review the association of most commonly used psychopharmacological drugs with weight gain in bipolar disorder. Method:, Information was retrieved from a PubMed/Medline literature search reviewing weight gain in pharmacological studies in bipolar disorder. Results:, Obesity and overweight in bipolar disorder are partly related to prescribed drugs with a strong effect of clozapine and olanzapine. Lesser but still relevant weight gain is caused by quetiapine, risperidone, lithium, valproate, gabapentin and by some antidepressants. Ziprasidone, aripiprazole, carbamazepine and lamotrigine do not seem to cause significant overweight. Conclusion:, Careful monitoring of weight changes in patients before and after drug prescription should be implemented in the clinical routine and drugs which potentially cause weight gain should be avoided in overweight patients with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, eating habits and daily activities should be targeted as they may also have a significant impact on overall health and weight-related issues. [source]


    Medication decisions and clinical outcomes in the Canadian National Outcomes Measurement Study in Schizophrenia

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2006
    R. Williams
    Objective:, To evaluate over a 2-year period, patients from academic/non-academic centres, from each region of Canada, to determine whether location or other variables such as medication type, gender or income was associated with outcome as defined by non-hospitalization and persistence on original treatment. Method:, A total of 448 patients were recruited from academic and non-academic centres across all provinces of Canada and followed up for 2 years. Results:, Patients from British Columbia had significantly lower rates of hospitalization than patients from other provinces. Male patients showed greater symptomatic improvement at 2 years from initial assessment compared to females. Patients on clozapine, risperidone and olanzapine were least likely to be hospitalized. Conclusion:, There were some regional differences noted in both utilization of types of antipsychotic medications and hospitalization rates. In this sample of stable out-patients over 70% who started on monotherapy with clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine remained on the same medication over the 2-year study period. [source]


    Selective glucocorticoid receptor (type II) antagonist prevents and reverses olanzapine-induced weight gain

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2010
    J. K. Belanoff
    Use of antipsychotic medications has been associated consistently with weight gain and metabolic disturbances, and a subsequent increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Two experiments tested whether CORT 108297, a newly identified selective glucocorticoid antagonist could (i) reduce and (ii) prevent olanzapine-induced weight gain in rats. In the first experiment, rats dosed only with olanzapine gained a statistically significant amount of weight. When vehicle was added to their olanzapine dose, they continued to gain weight; when CORT 108297 was added to their regimen, they lost a significant amount of weight. Rats administered CORT 108297 plus olanzapine had significantly less abdominal fat than those who received olanzapine alone. In the second experiment, rats receiving olanzapine plus CORT 108297 gained significantly less weight than rats receiving only olanzapine. Increasing doses of CORT 108297 were associated with less weight gain. [source]


    Novel antipsychotics in bipolar and schizoaffective mania

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2004
    G. J. R. Mensink
    Objective:, Novel antipsychotics are increasingly used in the treatment of bipolar and schizoaffective mania. This paper presents an overview of the controlled studies in this field. Method:, Using cross-references, a computerized search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE psychiatry covering the period 1990,2002. Results:, Olanzapine and risperidone, added to mood stabilizers, and olanzapine as monotherapy enjoy the most evidential support in terms of efficacy and side-effect profile for their use in acute bipolar mania. The use of modern antipsychotics in bipolar prophylaxis and in both the short- and long-term treatment of schizomania has not been widely studied yet. Conclusion:, More controlled trials are still needed comparing modern antipsychotics as monotherapy and adjunctive to mood stabilizers with conventional antipsychotics, lithium, anticonvulsants and with each other in short-term and, especially, maintenance treatment of (schizo)mania. Partly based on controlled studies, olanzapine, risperidone and other modern antipsychotics could become preferable for these indications. [source]


    Neuroleptic malignant syndrome during olanzapine and levomepromazine treatment

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2000
    K. Järventausta
    Objective: To date only five reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) related to olanzapine exist. The first case report was published in November 1998. Method: We report the case of a 78-year-old woman suffering from chronic schizophrenia who developed a NMS while being treated with olanzapine and levomepromazine. Before this her medication had been unchanged for more than 2 years. Results: When treated with olanzapine and levomepromazine, the patient had a fulminant NMS which was complicated with pneumonia. When the neuroleptic drug treatment was discontinued, the patient recovered. However, when this combination was restarted later due to severe agitation and hallucinations, the symptoms of NMS reappeared. Conclusion: This case report shows that the neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur during olanzapine treatment as well as during treatment with conventional neuroleptics. This syndrome may develop even after a long and stable neuroleptic treatment. [source]


    Atypical antipsychotics and weightgain , a systematic review

    ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2000
    D. M. Taylor
    Objective: To review systematically data relating to weight changes with atypical antipsychotics. Method: We conducted a Medline search on October 29 1999 and covered the period 1980,99. All recovered papers were examined for further relevant reports. In addition, we wrote to pharmaceutical manufacturers and 10 practising clinicians to ask them to provide other relevant reports known to them. Results: Eighty reports mentioning change in body weight were retrieved. Data relating to weight changes were of variable quality. Weight changes were indicated by a variety of measures. The majority of reports related to short-term changes. Conclusion: All atypical drugs, with the exception of ziprasidone, have been associated with weight increases. Clozapine seems to have the highest risk of weight gain, followed by olanzapine and quetiapine. There is probably a lower risk with risperidone, sertindole and zotepine and a still lower risk with amisulpride. Ziprasidone appears not to be associated with weight gain. In the absence of more compelling data, these rankings must be considered approximate and preliminary. Longer, more robust trials are needed. [source]


    Early intervention with second-generation antipsychotics in first-episode psychosis: results of an 8-week naturalistic study

    EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010
    Richard C. Josiassen
    Abstract Objective: The objective was to compare short-term effectiveness of aripiprazole with three other second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in the treatment of first-episode psychosis. Method: In a naturalistic, ,single-blind' design, 60 subjects experiencing their first psychotic episode were treated for 8 weeks with aripiprazole (n = 19), risperidone (n = 16), olanzapine (n = 14) or quetiapine (n = 11). Medication and dosing decisions were made by treating psychiatrists, constrained to once-a-day dosing, low initial doses and no clozapine. Weekly ratings were obtained using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Simpson-Angus Rating Scale and Barnes Akathasia Rating Scale. Weight and vital signs were also collected weekly. Results: The group presented with severe psychotic symptoms (mean baseline PANSS total score of 105.2), which were reduced rapidly (P < 0.0005). The between-group and group by time interaction terms were non-significant. Similar reductions were seen across all PANSS sub-scales. At Week 1 the mean PANSS Activation Scale score was reduced more with olanzapine than in the other groups (P < 0.002). Few instances of extrapyramidal symptoms occurred; all were sporadic and did not require treatment. Group body weight increased by 7.3% over the study. Vital signs remained unchanged. Conclusions: Early intervention with low doses of four SGAs led to rapid symptom reduction in first-episode psychotic patients with severe psychopathology. Although no clear medication advantages were observed in the short term, longer duration studies with larger samples will be required for determining efficacy, rates of compliance, relapse prevention and diminished incidence of extrapyramidal signs and symptoms. [source]