Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness characterized by disruptions in thought processes and emotional responsiveness. Clozapine is often more effective for treatment-resistant cases but carries risks like agranulocytosis, while olanzapine has fewer severe side effects but may offer reduced efficacy. This review compares the efficacy and safety of these antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. We conducted a systematic review that included ten double-blind, randomized clinical trials involving 761 participants. The findings show no significant differences in global clinical outcomes between the two drugs. However, a small difference favouring olanzapine was observed on the PANSS negative subscore. Regarding adverse effects, clozapine is associated with distinct metabolic side effects, particularly a notable increase in triglyceride levels, raising concerns about its overall metabolic impact. Also, clozapine showed a higher risk of adverse effects leading to higher dropout rates for this reason. The study emphasizes the need for personalized treatment plans that consider the comprehensive side effect profiles and metabolic implications of these antipsychotics. Future research should continue to refine the long-term management strategies for schizophrenia, focusing on optimizing patient outcomes and addressing the metabolic challenges associated with these treatments.
Keywords: Antipsychotic agents; Clozapine; Meta-Analysis; Olanzapine; Schizophrenia.
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