Olanzapine-induced pancreatitis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
The antipsychotic agent clozapine has been linked to several cases of pancreatitis. The newer, but related, olanzapine was believed to have fewer side effects.


METHODS
A 42-year-old man in good physical condition gradually developed hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase, diabetes and, ultimately, acute pancreatitis after 19 months of olanzapine monotherapy. Due to multiorgan failure, he was in the intensive care unit and surgical ward for 29 days. He made a full recovery. The olanzapine was discontinued. Glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels normalized as did pancreas and liver function.


CONCLUSIONS
We report olanzapine as the probable cause of acute pancreatitis in a patient without any known predisposing factors. Olanzapine-treated patients should be monitored with glucose, lipid, pancreatic function and liver function tests, and the olanzapine should be discontinued if the results of these tests worsen.
Waage
Christian
C
Department of Anesthesiology, Nordland Hospital, Bodo, Norway.
Carlsson
Hans
H
Nielsen
Erik Waage
EW
D000328:Adult; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine