Management of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (Zyprexa) in a clinical environment with particular regard to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in a German state hospital

We want to report on the management of the modern atypical antipsychotic Olanzapine (Zyprexa) in its clinical context in a State Hospital. Results will be presented which were found in our therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

Various parameters were investigated in detail (N=170) since January 2001. Most measurements were carried out on patients diagnozed as having a schizophrenic psychosis or affective disorder. Serum levels of Olanzapine were examined depending on sex, height, weight and age of the patients. Special interest was focussed on the reasons for carrying out TDM. It turned out that the main indication concerned patients level of compliance. Other indicatons were the first regulation and change of medication.

Examined will be the observed various sideeffects of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) associated with medication dosage and the interaction with psychopharmaceutical comedication. Statements will be made on the severity of the illness as well as therapy effect on Olanzapine medication.