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Rapid tranquilization with olanzapine in acute psychosis: a case series.
- Source :
-
The Journal of clinical psychiatry [J Clin Psychiatry] 2001; Vol. 62 Suppl 2, pp. 12-6. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
Abstract
- Acute, high-dose loading strategies (rapid neuroleptization) with the first-generation antipsychotics administered orally or parenterally, alone or combined with benzodiazepines, have been a commonly used treatment paradigm for controlling acutely agitated psychotic patients. The rationale was to achieve high plasma levels of drug within a shorter time period, resulting in rapid symptom mitigation. However, studies have shown that rapid neuroleptization with first-generation antipsychotics is associated with a greater incidence of side effects. To our knowledge, loading strategies with second-generation antipsychotics have not been investigated, primarily owing to a need for dose titration. Olanzapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, is well tolerated in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg. The objective of this report was to determine experience with the use of up to 20 mg of an oral loading dose of olanzapine administered within 4 hours in the treatment of patients early in an acute psychotic phase of their illness. In the reported case series of 57 patients, olanzapine initiated at 15 to 20 mg/day was a safe and effective medication for rapidly calming the agitation of acutely agitated psychotic patients (rapid tranquilization). Furthermore, dose reduction over 2 to 3 weeks was achieved in a number of patients without appreciable loss of efficacy.
- Subjects :
- Acute Disease
Antipsychotic Agents administration & dosage
Antipsychotic Agents adverse effects
Basal Ganglia Diseases chemically induced
Basal Ganglia Diseases epidemiology
Benzodiazepines
Drug Administration Schedule
Humans
Incidence
Olanzapine
Pirenzepine administration & dosage
Pirenzepine adverse effects
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales statistics & numerical data
Psychotic Disorders psychology
Antipsychotic Agents therapeutic use
Pirenzepine analogs & derivatives
Pirenzepine therapeutic use
Psychotic Disorders drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0160-6689
- Volume :
- 62 Suppl 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of clinical psychiatry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11232745