Olanzapine and Autism

Olanzapine is a type of drug called an atypical antipsychotic. It is sold under a variety of brand names including Zolafren, Zydis and Zyprexa.

Olanzapine is used to treat some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, (such as hallucinations and hostility) and some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder (such as mania).

Olanzapine is believed to work by changing the amount and action of several neurotransmitters in the brain, in particular serotonin and dopamine.

Olanzapine is sometimes used to treat problem behaviours in some autistic people, including hyperactivity, aggression, and self-injurious behaviours.

Related Glossaries

• Olanzapine

Related Publications

• Fido A., Al-Saad S. (2008) Olanzapine in the treatment of behavioral problems associated with autism: an open-label trial in Kuwait. Medical Principles and Practice. 17(5), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hollander E. et al. (2006) A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of olanzapine in childhood/adolescent pervasive developmental disorder Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 16 Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Kemner C. et al. (2002) Open-label study of olanzapine in children with pervasive developmental disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 22 Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Malek-Ahmadi P., Simonds J. (1998) Olanzapine for autistic disorder with hyperactivity. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 37(9), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Malone R. P. et al. (2001) Olanzapine versus haloperidol in children with autistic disorder: an open pilot study. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 40 Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Potenza M. et al. (1999) Olanzapine treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with pervasive developmental disorders: an open-label pilot study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 19(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Stavrakaki C., Antochi R., Emery P. C. (2004) Olanzapine in the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders: a case series analysis. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. 29(1), Read Full (New Window)
  
  

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Updated

18 Jun 2018