Oral olanzapine: a guide to its use in adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder

Abstract

Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is a well-established option for the first-line treatment of schizophrenia, and as first-line or adjunctive therapy in the acute or preventative treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The use of olanzapine is associated with better or similar efficacy than other commonly used antipsychotics, which may result in lower rates of treatment discontinuation. Treatment may generally be initiated at therapeutic dosages. Relative to other antipsychotics, olanzapine has a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, but a greater risk of weight gain.