title: Switching outpatients with schizophrenia and related disorders on long-acting injectable antipsychotics to olanzapine: an open-label naturalistic pilot study.
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.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. alabelle@rohcg.on.ca
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Labelle
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bourget
authors.forename: Luc Jean
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Boulay
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tessier
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010045:Outpatients; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D000077152:Olanzapine