The recent introduction of olanzapine (Zyprexa) has provided anotherfirst-line antipsychotic treatment option in the pharmacologic treatment ofpsycbiatric patients. Unlike clozapine which is restricted to use with refractory schizophrenia, olanzapine is labeledfor themanagement of manifestations of psychotic disorders This implies a much larger potential treatment population besides schizophrenia, and nurses should consider its use beyond patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia Matters of therapeutic dosing, titration, and maintenance dosing are remarkably simple with this compound With the current availability of olanzapine, nurses will need to befamiliar with the issues surrounding conversion from other antipsycbotic agents to this new agent.
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