Olanzapine monotherapy in a long-term treatment for schizophrenia: case study

A scientific progress, due to the advancements within the pharmacological industry nowdays, is offering an ever increasing number of atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia treatment. The atypics are gradually taking over the leadership of the more conventional antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia. The advantages of using atypics are fewer instances of side-effects and a good tolerance of the drug, which promotes an adequate and a satisfactory collaboration of the patients during the treatment. The daily practice often shows a polypragmasia within the treatment itself and a less frequent presence of a monotherapy as a way of treatment of schizophrenia. A question arises asking us, whether these are just a number of some old practices or, in the other hand, some fears and doubts between the clinitians and patients? The answer remanis for us to ponder upon. The patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia had been treated with a combination of conventional antipsychotics for many years. Eight years back, olanzapine was introduced in a 20 mg daily dose, combined with an anxiolytic, to which he reacted well. He was kept on the same olanzapine dose exclusively, for the past five years. During the treatment, he used to be monitored regularly (laboratory analyses, body weight) and no side-effects were percieved. He was in a stable remission during the treatment and a good recovery is evident via social functioning and a working ability.