The use of olanzapine as a first and second choice treatment in schizophrenia

Cummins C, Stevens A, Kisely S
Record ID 31998008902
English
Authors' objectives:

The authors assess whether olanzapine should be made available as a first and second line agent for the treatment of all people with schizophrenia.

Authors' results and conclusions: Olanzapine is an effective antipsychotic in the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia. The largest trial which used titrated doses suggests that better compliance and response is achieved with olanzapine than with haloperidol. It is possible than olanzapine has both a greater impact on the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and lower long-term relapse rates than haloperidol, but this is not conclusively proved.
Authors' recommendations: The authors conclude that they support the use of olanzapine, as evidence from three double blind trials, supported by evidence from a fourth which was of poorer quality, indicates that it is an effective and safe antipsychotic drug. However they note that although there is good evidence of excellent value for money, this is restricted to short term studies comparing olanzapine against older agents. Growth in the use of other new agents suggests the need for further comparative trials.
Authors' methods: Review
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk
Year Published: 1998
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England
MeSH Terms
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Pirenzepine
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Schizophrenia
Contact
Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development
Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662
Copyright: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)
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