Olanzapine for psychotic and behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer disease.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of olanzapine for the treatment of psychotic and behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer disease.


METHODS
MEDLINE (1966-January 2003) and Science Citation Index searches were performed. Key search terms included olanzapine, Alzheimer(s), and dementia.


RESULTS
Four trials of olanzapine and subsequent post hoc analyses were reviewed. Three trials found a benefit associated with olanzapine use, but a fourth trial did not.


CONCLUSIONS
Olanzapine appears to be effective in treating psychotic and behavioral disturbances associated with Alzheimer disease. However, the most appropriate dose remains to be determined. The benefit of olanzapine therapy must be weighed against the adverse effect profiles of olanzapine and alternative treatment options.
Schatz
Robin A
RA
College of Pharmacy, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA. robinschatz@msn.com
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D000077152:Olanzapine