Apologies for the delay in responding but there have been major
technical problems with the Internet mail system at the Authority.
Olanzapine and the atypical antipsychotics as a group have been
discussed by the Prescribing Committee and draft guidelines for shared
care are available. Currently the classical antipsychotics are
considered first line unless there are specific reasons for using the
atypicals. This will bw reviewed in 12 months time.
There is DEC report on 'The use of olanzapine as a first and second
choice treatment in schizophrenia'. The full text is available on the
Internet : http://www.epi .bris.ac.uk/rd or http://www.soton.ac.uk/~dec/
A recent evaluation on the cost effectiveness of olanzapine vs
haloperidol in schizophrenia is available in PharmacoEconomics 1998 May:
13 (5 Pt 2) : 575-588 where is was suggested that olanzapine may
represent a cost-effective treatment option when considering factors
such as relapse rate and inpatient bed costs etc.
If you would like a copy of the guidelines when they are updated please
let me know.
Kind regards,
Ruth Airdrie
Pharmaceutical Adviser
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