A naturalistic comparison of the efficacy and safety of intramuscular olanzapine and intramuscular haloperidol in agitated elderly patients with schizophrenia.

objectiveThis study was a comparative investigation of the clinical efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) olanzapine and IM haloperidol in agitated elderly patients with schizophrenia at 2 hours postdose.

methodsThe subjects were 23 inpatients who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Their clinical symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Excited Component (PANSS-EC), PANSS and Agitation Calmness Evaluation Scale (ACES), and their safety were assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS), Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) and laboratory tests.

resultsThe mean reduction from baseline on the PANSS-EC total score, the PANSS total score and the ACES score were significantly greater in the IM olanzapine injection group than in the IM haloperidol injection group. The mean changes from baseline on the AIMS score, the BARS score and the DIEPSS total score were significantly better in the IM olanzapine injection group than in the IM haloperidol injection group. No serious adverse events such as paralytic ileus, diabetic ketoacidosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome or tardive dyskinesia occurred between the two groups.

conclusionThe results of this study suggest the possibility that agitated elderly patients may result in superior efficacy and safety after IM olanzapine without serious adverse events in comparison with IM haloperidol.