Open study evaluating the onset of antipsychotic action of olanzapine in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizo-affective disorder

Peuskens, Joseph;Mertens, Claire;Geerts, S;Gillain, B.;Van Vleymen, B.
(2004) International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice — Vol. 8, n° 4, p. 199-204 (2004)

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  • Peuskens, JosephUCLouvain
    Author
  • Mertens, ClaireUCLouvain
    Author
  • Geerts, S
    Author
  • Gillain, B.
    Author
  • Van Vleymen, B.
    Author
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This 6-week, open-label study with olanzapine was designed to determine the onset of antipsychotic action of a 10-mg/day starting dose of olanzapine, continued as a fixed dose for at least 4 weeks. METHODS: A total of 306 patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia were prospectively followed-up. Response was defined as a 20% improvement on the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale ( PANSS) positive score, sustained until week 6. Onset of action was defined as the time point at which a 20% improvement in positive symptoms occurred and was maintained to week 6. RESULTS: Significant improvements from baseline were observed throughout the study with respect to PANSS positive and PANSS total score (P < 0.001). Within the first week of treatment, 20.6% of patients showed a 20% decrease in PANSS positive score, which was maintained until week 6. By weeks 2, 3 and 4 the percentage of responders had risen to 38.2, 49.7 and 52.3%, respectively. Olanzapine 10 mg/day was well tolerated, with the frequency of extrapyramidal symptoms and sexual dysfunction markedly lower following treatment than at baseline. CONCLUSION: In this clinical open study, about half of the patients showed a response within 3 weeks, which is at least maintained until week 6.
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Peuskens, J., Mertens, C., Geerts, S., Gillain, B., & Van Vleymen, B. (2004). Open study evaluating the onset of antipsychotic action of olanzapine in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizo-affective disorder. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 8(4), 199-204. https://doi.org/10.1080/13651500410005667 (Original work published 2004)