The Effects of Olanzapine in the Treatment of Inpatients with Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: Efficacy, Safety and Quality of Life / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter, open trial with olanzapine was primarily designed to evaluate effects of olanzapine on profiles of efficacy, safety, and subjective quality of life (QoL) in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Secondarily, associations of changes in QoL measures with baseline characteristics and changes in efficacy and safety measures were examined. Finally, the optimal dose of olanzapine was investigated with respect to efficacy, safety and QoL profiles. METHODS: A total of 94 inpatients at nine centers in Chungchung and Honam areas of Korea was recruited. The administered dosage of olazapine varied between 5 to 20 mg/day according to each patient's clinical status. Information on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics was collected. A variety of measures on efficacy, safety and QoL was administered at baseline (admission) and at endpoint (discharge). RESULTS: Seventy-three (78%) patients completed the study. Their mean (SD) admission period was 42 (21) days. Olanzapine was effective for reducing overall psychotic symptoms including negative and depressive symptoms. It was safe and generally well tolerated, particularly in extrapyramidal symptoms, although weight gain was substantial (2.6 kg during admission period). Furthermore, it was beneficial for improving QoL. Changes in QoL measures were independently associated with improvement of nighttime sleep. The most favorable dosages of olanzapine were 17.5 or 20 mg/day in terms of efficacy, while were 7.5 or 10 mg/day with respect to safety and QoL. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of inpatients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Different optimal dosages of olanzapine might be recommended according to the target or goal of treatments.