Six-month, blinded, multicenter continuation study of ziprasidone versus olanzapine in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
The authors' goal was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 6 months' treatment with flexible-dose ziprasidone and olanzapine in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.


METHODS
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity scores were obtained for 126 responders to a 6-week acute study of olanzapine and ziprasidone during a blinded 6-month continuation study and optional extension study.


RESULTS
Comparable improvements in BPRS and CGI severity scores were seen with both drugs. Olanzapine produced significant increases from acute-study baseline values in weight and body mass index and within-group increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting insulin. Between-group differences were not significant for lipids and insulin. Mean QTc values at endpoint were 407.1 msec (baseline mean=406.0 msec) and 394.4 msec (baseline mean=399.7 msec) for ziprasidone and olanzapine, respectively. No patient had a QTc interval > or =500 msec.


CONCLUSIONS
Ziprasidone and olanzapine had comparable long-term efficacy; olanzapine was associated with significant weight gain and metabolic alterations.
Simpson
George M
GM
Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, LAC/USC Medical Center, IRD Rm. 204, Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, 2020 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. gsimpson@hsc.usc.edu
Weiden
Peter
P
Pigott
Theresa
T
Murray
Stephen
S
Siu
Cynthia O
CO
Romano
Steven J
SJ
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D001569:Benzodiazepines; C092292:ziprasidone; D000077152:Olanzapine