Human psychopharmacology
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Human psychopharmacology · Jan 2011
Review Comparative Study Clinical TrialAn open, large, 6-month naturalistic study of outcome in schizophrenic outpatients, treated with olanzapine.
In many countries of the industrialised world second generation ("atypical") antipsychotics have become the first line drug treatment for people with schizophrenia. The question as to whether, and if so how much, the effects of the various second generation antipsychotics differ is a matter of debate. In this review we examined how the efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine differs from that of other second generation antipsychotics. ⋯ Olanzapine may be a somewhat more efficacious drug than some other second generation antipsychotic drugs. This small superiority in efficacy needs to be weighed against a larger weight gain and associated metabolic problems than most other second generation antipsychotic drugs, except clozapine. These conclusions are tentative due to the large number of people leaving the studies early which possibly limits the validity of the findings. Further large, well-designed trials are necessary to establish the relative effects of different second generation antipsychotic drugs.
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Human psychopharmacology · Jan 2011
Multicenter StudyGeriatric drug utilisation of psychotropics in Belgian nursing homes.
To determine the prevalence of psychotropic drug use in Belgian nursing homes, in relation to residents' and institutional characteristics. ⋯ As in other European countries, the prevalence of psychotropic utilisation in Belgian nursing homes is exceedingly high, with excessive duplicate use. Guidelines, education and clinical practice recommendations focusing on initiation, reassessment and withdrawal of psychotropic therapy, are needed.