Olanzapine orally-disintegrating tablet in severe psychotic agitation: a naturalistic study.
BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to determine effectiveness and safety of olanzapine in patients with severe agitation.


METHODS
A naturalistic, open-label study in 80 acutely agitated psychotic patients visited in our psychiatric emergency department. Patients received either a 20-mg olanzapine orally-disintegrating tablet or conventional treatment depending on attending psychiatrist's preference. Efficacy was assessed by the Excitement Component of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-EC), the Agitation-Calmness Evaluation Scale (ACES) and pragmatic variables (second pharmacological intervention and need for physical restraints).


RESULTS
60 % patients completed a 6 hour trial. Both groups showed a significant reduction in mean PANSS-EC score. The olanzapine-treated group showed statistically significant improvements: PANSS-EC (F=122.9; df=2.4; p=0.000), ACES (F=68.2; df=2.8; p=0.000). Treatment was well-tolerated and no serious side-effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
In this naturalistic study in patients with severe agitation, 20-mg oral olanzapine was effective, rapid and safe.
Pascual
J C
JC
Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, St Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
Pérez
V
V
Martín
J L R
JL
Safont
G
G
Puigdemont
D
D
Alvarez
E
E
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine