Efficacy of olanzapine: an overview of pivotal clinical trials
Beasley, C.M.; Tollefson, G.D.; Tran, P.V.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 58(Suppl): 7-12
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-6689 PMID: 9265910 Document Number: 477618
Olanzapine is a new "atypical" antipsychotic agent that belongs chemically to the thienobenzodiazepine class. Its relatively greater binding affinity for 5-HT-2 compared to D-2 receptors makes it similar to the atypical agent clozapine, a serotonin/dopamine antagonist. Four double-blind pivotal studies, which compare olanzapine to placebo and/or haloperidol, are presented. The results suggest that olanzapine is as effective as haloperidol for positive symptoms and more effective than haloperidol for the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.