An economic comparison of risperidone and olanzapine use within an integrated managed mental health program

This study assessed differences in total mental health care costs for 1 year following initiation of risperidone or olanzapine in individuals within NorthSTAR, an integrated managed mental health pilot project. A retrospective database analysis of individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and newly started on either agent was conducted. Antipsychotic medication costs were significantly lower for individuals prescribed risperidone than olanzapine (1763 dollars versus 2582 dollars; p<0.001). Individuals prescribed risperidone had lower (but not significant) expenditures for mental health services (4714 dollars versus 5077 dollars; p=0.792), as well as total mental health care costs (7407 dollars versus 9011 dollars; p=0.255).