Switching outpatients with schizophrenia and related disorders on long-acting injectable antipsychotics to olanzapine: an open-label naturalistic pilot study

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2002 Dec;22(6):545-53. doi: 10.1097/00004714-200212000-00003.

Abstract

Little is known about the feasibility of switching patients with schizophrenia from long-acting injectable antipsychotics to oral olanzapine. We completed an open-label 14-week study to assess such a transition. This study included 25 stable outpatients (DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder) who were receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotics. Following a screening visit, patients began treatment with olanzapine 10 mg/day, which was initiated the day of their scheduled injection. Clinical assessments included the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale (CGI-I) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Patient self-reports of adverse events were monitored and the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale completed at each visit. In those completing the trial (N = 18), results revealed that a switch from injectable antipsychotics to olanzapine was associated with significant improvements on the CGI-I, negative symptoms, PANSS total scores, and parkinsonism. In considering the whole sample (last observation carried forward, N = 25), significant improvements on the CGI-I, parkinsonism, and dyskinesia were observed. Finally, those who failed to complete the trial (N = 7) did not change significantly from visit 1 to endpoint on any of the efficacy or safety measures. These results should be considered preliminary and require replication using appropriate control groups.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Olanzapine
  • Outpatients
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pirenzepine / administration & dosage
  • Pirenzepine / adverse effects
  • Pirenzepine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Pirenzepine / therapeutic use*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Pirenzepine
  • Olanzapine