Olanzapine induces remarkable weight gain in adolescent patients

We present here clinical case reports of three adolescents, aged 14-17 years, who were treated with olanzapine. The daily dose was 10 mg. Prior to olanzapine, the patients were unsuccessfully treated with other antipsychotic drugs. The response to olanzapine for psychotic symptoms was clinically significant in all three patients. The major adverse effect was excessive weight gain. The increases in body mass index (BMI) were 9, 8 and 5 kg/m2. One of the patients later lost the additional weight. Especially in adolescents obesity is a serious side effect and potential consequences include numerous health problems.