Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Significant Anxiolytic Effect and Enhanced Recovery Benefits of Perioperative Low-Dose Olanzapine in Patients with
Boyi Jiang1, Jiaxuan Fan, Yahao Lai
1Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Major anxiety symptoms are commonly observed in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA); these symptoms exacerbate pain and compromise hip recovery. Olanzapine demonstrates clinically meaningful efficacy in reducing anxiety; thus, we investigated its anxiolytic effect and benefits for enhancing recovery in these high-risk patients.
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 135 patients who were scheduled for primary THA at our institution between April 2024 and March 2025 and who scored at least 40 points on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) before surgery. Patients randomly received oral olanzapine (2.5 mg), alprazolam (0.4 mg), or a placebo once nightly for 5 days beginning on the day of admission. The 3 groups (45 patients in the olanzapine group, 45 in the alprazolam group, and 44 in the placebo group after 1 patient was lost to follow-up) were compared postoperatively in terms of the STAI-S score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, opioid consumption, and functional recovery of the hip. Adverse events related to drugs and surgery were recorded.
Results:
Compared with placebo and alprazolam, olanzapine was associated with significantly lower STAI-S scores on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3, significantly lower resting VAS pain scores on PODs 1 to 3, and significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The olanzapine group and the alprazolam group demonstrated significantly better sleep quality based on the PSQI on POD 3 compared with the placebo group. Moreover, the olanzapine group had lower opioid consumption on PODs 1 to 3 than the placebo group. Patients in the olanzapine group exhibited better Harris hip scores and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores. The 3 groups did not significantly differ in terms of adverse events.
Conclusions:
Perioperative low-dose olanzapine may be an effective option for reducing anxiety levels, sleep disorders, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, mitigating postoperative pain and enhancing hip recovery among patients with anxiety symptoms undergoing THA.
Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Related Concept Videos
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic...
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:29Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
01:20Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates