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Olanzapine and venous thromboembolism

Staffan Hägg1, Per Tätting, Olav Spigset

  • 1Section of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. staffan.hagg@pharm.umu.se

International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|August 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Elderly patients taking olanzapine may face risks of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Early monitoring and potential treatment cessation are advised.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Clozapine, an antipsychotic, has been linked to venous thromboembolism (VTE).
  • Olanzapine, another atypical antipsychotic, is widely used in geriatric populations.
  • The potential association between olanzapine and VTE requires further investigation.

Observation:

  • Three elderly patients (89M, 78M, 83F) developed VTE shortly after initiating olanzapine.
  • Cases included deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • None of the patients had a prior history of VTE.

Findings:

  • Olanzapine therapy was temporally associated with the onset of VTE in these geriatric patients.
  • The findings suggest a possible link between olanzapine use and VTE in the elderly.
  • This association warrants clinical vigilance and further research.

Implications:

  • Geriatric patients on olanzapine require close clinical monitoring for VTE symptoms.
  • Prompt detection and intervention are crucial for managing VTE in this population.
  • Discontinuation of olanzapine may be considered upon VTE diagnosis.

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