Research summaries for autism therapy: Zyprexa (olanzapine)

definition of Zyprexa (olanzapine): Psychotropic medication that may be prescribed off-label for people with autism to reduce disruptive and repetitive behaviors. Zyprexa® is indicated for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (mania). Zyprexa® Intramuscular is indicated for the treatment of agitation in people with schizophrenia and bipolar mania. Zyprexa® works as a dopamine and serotonin type 2 antagonist, and has other effects on the nervous system. Side effects can include weight gain, increased appetite, and dry mouth. Other forms of this medication are called Zyprexa® Zydis®, or Zyprexa® Intramuscular.
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The Role of Antipsychotics in the Management of Behavioral Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Autism, Summarized Apr 27, 2009

Antipsychotic drugs may help to reduce problem behaviors and improve function in patients with autism.

Treatment of autism requires many approaches: educational, behavioral, and psychosocial. The purpose of this review article is to describe the use of antipsychotic drugs to treat symptoms of autism. The antipsychotics drugs include: haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, clozapine, and quetiapine. Haloperidol has been around for a long time and there are many studies that show haloperidol to be safe and effective. Risperidone is the antipsychotic drug that has been best studied in autism. Read more...

Successful Olanzapine Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in a Girl with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Summarized Feb 9, 2009

Olanzapine may help children with anorexia nervosa and autism to overcome their anorexia.

Many patients with anorexia nervosa also have pervasive developmental disorder. Anorexia and autism share symptoms of obsession and compulsion. Olanzapine is often used to treat anorexia because it causes weight gain. This case study describes a 17-year-old girl in Japan who had a 1-year history of anorexia and was treated with drug therapy. She had no real language or motor delays, but she did lack social skills. Olanzapine therapy helped her to gain weight. Read more...

Olanzapine in the Treatment of Behavioral Problems Associated with Autism: An Open-Label Trial in Kuwait, Summarized Oct 8, 2008

Olanzapine may help some children with autism with the symptoms of irritability, withdrawal, and hyperactivity.

Over half of children with autism are easily irritated, withdrawn, and hyperactive. This open-label trial study was designed to test the effects of olanzapine on the treatment of these behavior problems of children with autism. The children (all boys) were between the ages of 7 and 17. The 40 children in the study did not seem to have side effects to the olanzapine during the short (13 week) trial. Olanzapine acts on the brain and is known as an atypical antipsychotic. Read more...

Atypical Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents with Autistic and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Summarized Sep 3, 2008

Drug therapy may help with problem behaviors that can be associated with autism.

This review article describes the use of a type of drug known as atypical antipsychotics as a treatment for children with autism, and reports on whether or not these drugs work. Atypical antipsychotics are often used as a first-line therapy to treat problem behaviors in children with autism. Problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury and tantrums can often get in a way of a childâ??s schooling. Atypical antipsychotics include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole. Risperidone is the only drug that is FDA-approved for use with autism. Read more...

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Synonyms for Zyprexa (olanzapine) include: olanzapine, Zyprexa, Zyprexa IM, Zyprexa Intramuscular, Zyprexa®, Zyprexa® Intramuscular
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