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A review of olanzapine-associated toxicity and fatality in overdose

Pierre Chue1, Peter Singer

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta and Alberta Hospitals. pchue@ualberta.ca

Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN
|August 19, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Olanzapine overdose can be toxic, with 29 deaths linked to its use. However, this association is limited and may be influenced by underlying health conditions in patients with schizophrenia.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Atypical antipsychotics, including olanzapine, are widely used in psychiatric care.
  • Limited data exists on the safety of these drugs, especially in overdose scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the safety profile of olanzapine in untreated overdose situations.
  • To analyze available toxicity data for olanzapine.

Main Methods:

  • Data was collected from Canadian Medical Examiners' Offices.
  • Information was also sourced from the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program.
  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-nine deaths were identified where olanzapine overdose was a primary or contributing factor.
  • Postmortem data analysis presented complexities and limitations.
  • The influence of cardiovascular disease and sudden death rates in schizophrenia patients was noted.

Conclusions:

  • Olanzapine is associated with toxicity in overdose cases, though evidence is limited.
  • The observed toxicity may be confounded by pre-existing conditions in the patient population.
  • Further reviews for psychotropic drug toxicity and improved adverse event reporting are recommended.

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