Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets in the treatment of acutely ill non-compliant patients with schizophrenia

The objective of this study was to determine if the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of olanzapine, Zvprexa(R) Zydis(R), would facilitate antipsychotic medication compliance in acutely ill, non-compliant patients. Eighty-five acutely ill patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who met medication non-compliance criteria received open-label olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (10-20 mg/d) for up to 6 wk. Improvement in medication compliance was assessed using various rating scales to measure changes in psychopathology, medication-taking and compliance attitudes, and nursing care burden. Safety, variables were also measured. Significant improvement from baseline was demonstrated in the positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score at Week 1 and subsequently (p < 0.001). Significant improvement from baseline was also seen in various scales measuring medication compliance, attitude, and nursing care burden (p < 0.05). Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets were well-tolerated. Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets may benefit acutely ill, non-compliant schizophrenic patients by facilitating acceptance of active antipsychotic drug therapy.