Abstract
objectives: This paper reports on the results of randomized multicenter study comparing, the efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine (Zolafren, ADAMED) and perazine in acute schizophrenic episode.
Methods: The study included 86 schizophrenic patients, hospitalized because of the exacerbation of the illness. Forty-four patients received olanzapine, 10-20 mg/day (mean 18.4 mg/day), and 42 patients received perazine, 100-600 mg/day (mean 294 mg/day), for 8 weeks. The groups of patients did not differ as to demographic and clinical parameters and the initial intensity of symptoms.
Results: In both groups of patients, a statistically significant clinical improvement was observed. The improvement was bigger in the group receiving olanzapine, as measured in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (total score, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, general psychopathology) Clinical Global Impression and Calgary Depression Rating Scale. Treatment with olanzapine compared with perazine was associated with significantly lower risk of side-effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, as well as with significantly lower risk of withdrawal from the study. Both drugs did not cause significant changes in laboratory parameters and electrocardiographic examinations except for higher cholesterol level in the perazine group. Olanzapine caused a moderate weight gain (mean 2.8 kg).
Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that olanzapine (Zolafren, ADAMED) when used in the treatment of acute schizophrenic episode shows good efficacy and tolerability. Compared with perazine, treatment with olanzapine is associated with better clinical improvement and less side-effects.