Olanzapine increases slow-wave sleep: evidence for blockade of central 5-HT(2C) receptors in vivo.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to determine the effects of the atypical antipsychotic agent, olanzapine, on the polysomnogram in healthy subjects. We predicted that olanzapine, via serotonin(2C) (5-HT(2C)) receptor blockade, would increase slow-wave sleep (SWS).


METHODS
We studied the effects of single evening doses of olanzapine (5 mg and 10 mg orally) on the polysomnogram of 9 healthy male volunteers, using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design.


RESULTS
Compared to placebo, the 5-mg and 10-mg doses of olanzapine significantly increased SWS, sleep continuity measures, and subjective sleep quality. In addition, 10 mg of olanzapine suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increased REM sleep latency.


CONCLUSIONS
Olanzapine (5 mg and 10 mg) produced substantial (59.1% and 83.3%) and highly significant dose-related increases in SWS in humans probably via blockade of brain 5-HT(2C) receptors. 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonism may account for some of the therapeutic and adverse effects of olanzapine therapy.
Sharpley
A L
AL
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Vassallo
C M
CM
Cowen
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017286:Polysomnography; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors